Cooperative Medical Engagement

TAJI, IRAQ

02.22.2008

Courtesy Story

316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

By 2nd Lt. Tamara Brewer
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1103rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The mission was simple. Visit the town of Fallahat, Iraq, and provide medical care for as many children and adults as possible in a four hour period of time.

Members of 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 25th Light Infantry Division; the California National Guard, 1st Battalion, 143rd Field Artillery and the Alabama National Guard, 1103rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, combined their efforts in an attempt to provide medical care and improve relations between the coalition forces and the people of Fallahat.

Several different units coordinated to handle security, transportation, logistical and medical provider requirements. Once security was in place, the medical personnel were able to establish a makeshift clinic inside a girl's school within the small town. A table was set up in the entrance where personnel could screen people to determine what level of care was needed.

"With the help of an interpreter we could discuss each persons medical need and then direct them to the appropriate care provider," said 2nd Lt. Tamara Brewer, the commander for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1103rd CSSB.

At first the people of Fallahat were guarded and suspicious. The children would hide behind the women's garments, but as they approached the doorway, the interaction with the Soldiers had them pushing their noses to the glass, making faces and waving with huge smiles.

"As the day went on, the mothers and children saw that we cared and the smiles and laughter broke through the fear and suspicion," recalled Brewer. "In the end it was a joyous day."

In a brief four hour visit the medical needs ranged from ear infections and colds to redressing lost limbs and diabetes. "The most important component of today's exercise was the Iraqi army's presence." said CPT (Dr) R. Dale Jackson, DO, FS, Michigan Army National Guard. "Their medics did very well today. It is crucial as time goes on that they continue to take larger roles in each exercise—each mission. As they do they will gain confidence in themselves as individuals and pride as a unit. More importantly, the Iraqi people will gain confidence in them and their new government."

When asked about the mission achievement, MAJ Michael J. Wise, the Executive Officer of 1/143 Field Artillery Battalion, California National Guard, stated that, "The exercise went extremely well, and 377 patients were treated, prompting an outpouring of appreciation from the local community. It was an excellent example of a 'combined' operation on the modern COIN battlefield."

At the end of the day the people of Fallahat showed their appreciation by bringing out plates of food for all of the Soldiers. Waves, smiles and a sense of mutual cooperation were our rewards as we loaded our vehicles and departed for our duty station. Remembering that a waterfall starts with one drop of water, we are winning this war...one day, one smile, and one kind act at a time. The character and moral courage of the troops are changing the Iraqi's opinions of us a single person at a time, which will in turn change each village, and soon transform a country from a land of fear to a nurturing land of hope and peace.

• Date Taken: 02.22.2008
• Date Posted: 02.22.2008 17:26
• Story ID: 16615
• Location: TAJI, IQ