Iraqi Army Takes Lead to Support Sadr City Clinic

American Forces Press Service

Aug. 22, 2008 - The 11th Iraqi Army Division delivered medical supplies and provided treatment to the citizens of the Thawra 1 neighborhood of the Iraqi capital's Sadr City district Aug. 20. Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, attached to Task Force 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, who currently supports the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team in Multinational Division Baghdad, provided security for the operation, while Iraqi soldiers and medical personnel met with families in need of treatment.

The Iraqi Army took the lead to provide supplies for the 2nd Health Clinic of Sadr City, as well as additional medical attention to the surrounding community, putting an Iraqi face on the operation.

Soldiers from 1-35th Armor Regiment provided security and helped facilitate the Iraqi Army operation. Before the Combined Medical Engagement started, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers and the Iraqi security detachment escorting the Iraqi army medical team secured the clinic and the surrounding area.

"We are just glad to be able to help and let the IA take the lead with the combined medical engagement," Army Capt. Andrew Slack, commander of Company C, said. "Hopefully, every clinic in Thawra 1 will get repeated visits from the IA as they are operating with more independence every day."

The clinic administrator and staff welcomed the visit and were glad for the additional medical support and supplies.

"We are grateful for the efforts of the IA and friendly forces. The supplies they have brought will be put to good use of the people of our neighborhood," said Dr. Thaer, the 2nd Health Clinic senior administrator. "Any patient that comes here is treated for free, and these medical supplies and support from the IA greatly help the people who rely on us."

(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)