Aviation Medic supports ground convoys

Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Oscar Grado, HHC 2-3 GSAB, provides a couple of Iraqi kids with medical items outside of a temporary clinic on Aug. 26. The clinic was set up in Saba Al Bor to provide Iraqi citizens free medical support. (Photo by Spc. Matthew Wester)  

TAJI, IRAQ

09.07.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

Spc. Derek Del Rosario
Aviation Brigade PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- For many Soldiers in the Aviation Brigade, a trip outside the wire of the secure forward operating base usually takes place aboard a helicopter. However, when the opportunity arose to spend time with a ground unit, Pfc. Oscar Grado didn't hesitate to volunteer.

Grado, a medic in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (General Support), has been providing essential medical support for 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, since May. This means a lot of time outside the wire on missions which include civil affairs projects.

Grado, a Stockton, Calif., native, spends about six days a week on convoys attached with the unit, something that he was eager to do.

"I volunteered to go because it was something different," Grado said. "I wanted to be outside the wire. It's a change of scenery."

During the missions, Grado is the medical specialist for the convoy. So far, Grado's services have yet to be extensively needed, but one incident in early August could have very well been a time when his skills might have been put to use.

"We were hit by an improvised explosive device, but luckily everyone was all right," the 21-year-old medic said. "At the time our convoy was hit, I was excited and scared all in one. Once it hit, I knew very well that I might have to use my skills."

Grado's noncommissioned officer in charge, Staff Sgt. Rey Flete of HHC, 2-3 GSAB, said IED incidents are one reason that having a medic in convoys is important. Grado, he added, is very capable at handling the job.

"He is a good Soldier and a very proficient medic," Flete said. "He's doing an outstanding job in his position, and I am very proud of him for volunteering."

Grado's main motivation for enlisting, much like his motivation to volunteer to join 2-70th Armor, was for change and the training opportunities.

"I wanted to get out, get away and do something different with my life," he said. "I also wanted to train as a medic. I thought it was a good chance to learn things I could use later in the civilian world."

Grado joined the Army near the end of 2003, months after the beginning of the Iraqi war. He was aware that deployment was a possibility in his future, and when he learned that his unit was going to Iraq, he welcomed the opportunity.

"I felt prepared to deploy. I was confident and ready to go," Grado said. "I was looking forward to doing my job in Iraq because I thought it would give me a chance to be part of something bigger than myself."

Grado's confidence is important in his line of work, especially in a unit that conducts so many convoys. The medic said he has earned the trust of the Soldiers he is supporting.

"They rely on me a lot. When we roll out, I might be responsible for around 15 to 20 Soldiers," Grado said. "They depend on the medic. I feel like I'm part of a strong team now, and in our team there is a lot of trust."

• Date Taken: 09.07.2005
• Date Posted: 09.07.2005 14:27
• Story ID: 2917
• Location: TAJI, IQ