Paratroopers visit children's hospital in Al Hillah

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. 1st Class Hugh Clark from Liberty Texas, a Combat Medic and Senior Military Transition Team Medical Advisor visits with the Iraqi doctors and father of the patient he brought medication to at the Babylon Children's hospital in Al Hillah Iraq.  

11.27.2006

Courtesy Story

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

by Sgt. 1st Class Waldo Holden
Task Force Warrior public affairs representative

AL-HILLAH, Iraq – Paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division visited the children's hospital in downtown Al Hillah, Nov. 27, in order to reinforce their commitment to citizens of the area in the wake of a recent vehicle borne improvised explosive device attacks in the city.

"The team's primary mission in Babil Province is to build the capability of the Iraqi Security Forces, but we are equally dedicated to the safety and protection of the families of Al Hillah," said Sgt. 1st Class Waldo Holden, military transition team member.

During the visit, the doctors and administration welcomed the Paratroopers and their expertise.

"We discussed the many challenges facing the hospital while the local government builds its capability to administer health services," said Sgt. 1st Class Hugh Clark, the team medic. "We also provided them with some essential medication that the hospital has been unable to obtain due to the curfews in place in Baghdad."

While the doctors and medics discussed ways the Coalition Forces can contribute to improving the conditions of the hospital, the remainder of the team visited with the children receiving care.

To the children's delight, the Paratroopers also handed out stuffed animals and toys.

We visited with roughly 300 children who were anywhere between two days old to 13 years old, said Holden.

"I think the whole team enjoyed the opportunity to visit the hospital but regret that we can't do more to give them some immediate help," he continued.

The visit to the hospital was a great change of pace from the Paratroopers normal routine.

"This was a great chance to show the people that the Coalition Forces are united with the people of Iraq to not only restore security, but to help rebuild and improve conditions for the citizens of Al Hillah," said team member Lt. Robert Rossfeld.

Before leaving the hospital, the staff identified the critical shortage of incubators in the children's ward.

"That is one of the many issues the team is hoping to assist the hospital with," said Clark.

"Our task force will continue to visit the schools and hospitals in the area," said Holden. "Our goal is to help the people in the area and improve the living conditions for the children of Al Hillah."

• Date Taken: 11.27.2006
• Date Posted: 12.06.2006 11:12
• Story ID: 8501