From Camp Taji:Joint Medical Expo Brings Healthcare to Needy Iraqis

Story & Photos by Capt. Maggie White
TAJI, Iraq — Thanks to the combined efforts of Pennsylvania Guardsmen, the Iraqi army, and concerned citizens, villagers have access to medical care in an area where local clinics are not accessible.

Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team Multi-National Division-Baghdad helped support a medical expo, June 7, at the al-Sadir secondary school in the rural area of Hor al-Bosh to see doctors and nurses, and obtain necessary medications.

Sheik Mohammed Ibrahim donated hundreds of doses of antibiotics, vaccinations, and other medications to provide to the locals who otherwise don't have regular access to medical facilities. He worked with the Soldiers of Co. C and their Iraqi army counterparts to set up the event where families could seek medical treatment in a safe environment.

"Lots of these people have no money," Ibrahim said, "With this mission they are feeling that someone cares about the people; that the coalition forces, along with the Iraqi army, are for their best interests."

Two Iraqi doctors, a nurse, an Army physician's assistant and medic treated 147 people from the area. Many parents brought their children to receive antibiotics, ointments, and receive immunizations. Soldiers handed out makeshift wheelchairs along with donated toys, art supplies, and clothing sent from relatives back in the United States wishing to help out.

"This mission is to show our thanks and support our people," said Dr. Kamin Salah, a general practitioner who donated his time to come help out.

Many families said they did not have the means to see a doctor on a regular basis. They waited in line to receive medication that they might not otherwise be able to receive.

"I'm glad to see children benefit from the medication," said Staff Sgt. Eric Klemm, of Butler, Pa., a senior medic for 1st Bn., 112th inf. Regt., said. "For lots of these kids this is their only chance to see a doctor, and I'm glad we can help facilitate that."

The Iraqi doctors and nurse took the lead in the expo, with the U.S. medics in a mentoring role; only stepping in to ask questions and listen to the advice the doctors gave.

"This medical expo is a good example of the IA and the U.S. military working together towards a common goal," 1st Lt. Joshua Fox, of Harrisburg, Pa., said. "We all want to improve the quality of life for the Iraqi people."

Pictured, Dr. Abdul Abbas examines the throat of a young Iraqi girl at the medical expo, June 7, at Hor al-Bosh, near Taji, Iraq. Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division-Baghdad work with the Iraqi army and local Iraqi medical personnel to give access to doctors and medications to citizens who could not otherwise receive them; and a Soldier from Company C, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, pulls a wheelchair donated for the joint medical expo at the al-Sadir secondary school located near Hor al-Bosh, June 7.