Iraqi Army, Coalition Troops Provide Medical Care at School

By Army 1st Lt. Travis Hayes
Special to American Forces Press Service

June 26, 2008 - More than 200 adults and 80 children received medical care June 21 during a combined medical engagement at the Al Herea School in Farisiyah, Iraq. Eight Iraqi medics from 33rd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, and surgeons and medics from the 3rd Infantry Division's 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, hosted the event for residents of Farisiyah and Jurf as Sahkr.

"It always puts a smile on my face to see people in need receive proper care," said Army Staff Sgt. Luke Henry, a medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3-7th Infantry Regiment. "I believe these combined medical engagements are what we need to keep doing, because it's these children that we treat who will remember us when they're older and in a position to make decisions."

In addition to the medical care, the Iraqi medics provided preventive medical classes on the importance of washing hands, boiling water and personal hygiene.

Mohammed, an Iraqi medic, explained how boiling water would kill germs, making it healthier to drink. After the class, those who needed medical care were able to see a doctor.

Members of the civil affairs team from Forward Operating Base Iskan also handed out Beanie Babies to children and distributed more than 500 humanitarian aid packages to families.

(Army 1st Lt. Travis Hayes serves with the 3rd Infantry Division's 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)