Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Jason Haselgard makes sure Jasam, a boy at Al Azim School, in the Al Warkaa...... read more read more
By Pfc. Ronald Leydet
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq — The child looked about 11 years old, standing confidently with his friends despite an arm cast loosely stabilized with a piece of rope draped around his neck.
His name was Jasam Abdameer, and he was a fourth grader at Al Azim School, in the Al Warkaa District of Muthanna Province in southern Iraq. Pfc. Jason Haselgard, the medic assigned to 2nd Platoon, "A" Company, Task Force 2-29, took immediate notice of Jasam.
Second Platoon was visiting the school to check on the progress being made on its renovation, one of many projects on which the platoon is providing site management. Task Force 2-29 works alongside the U.S. State Department's Provincial Reconstruction Teams across the provinces of Al Muthanna, Dhi Qar and Maysan.
With help from his interpreter, Dimitri, Haselgard, from Rockport, Mass, inquired about the 4th grader's injury. The boy said that he fell outside his house and hurt his forearm. Haselgard told Jasam he was a trained medic and asked him if he would like a better sling for his arm.
He agreed, and Haselgard assessed the proper position to place his arm for the wound to heal correctly and pulled out a cravat to create the sling.
Young Jasam was timid at first, but the Army medic used his linguist to explain his actions step-by-step and it seemed to work. Soon the patient relaxed and his wince was replaced by a smile.
By the time Haselgard finished it was apparent Jasam was very happy and in less pain due to the increased comfort of his new sling.
"It gave me a warm feeling inside to be able to help a child in need," said Haselgard. "Being trained as a medic, I'm always prepared to fix whatever is broken, but it's the little things that make the biggest difference."
Although the aid was not requested, nor part of 2nd Platoon's specific mission that day, its message spoke volumes of the Army's new mission in Iraq as Soldiers are seen less as enforcers and more as enablers.
Second Platoon alone has provided oversight for 11 projects, ranging from school rehabilitation and water distribution enhancement to electrical extension development, all done in partnership with the Al Muthanna PRT.
However, the most effective display of this mission change remains with the individual contact they have with the local Iraqis and the positive, caring impressions they leave behind.
| Date Taken: | 12.24.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 12.24.2009 21:23 |
| Story ID: | 43136 |
| Location: | TALLIL AIR BASE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 409 |
| Downloads: | 390 |
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