Iraqi Army Takes Lead in Community Health Outreach
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Black Anthem Military News
By 1st Lt. Charles Bloomfield, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment
April 27, 2007
BAGHDAD – More than 100 local residents received medical attention in the Hateen neighborhood of Iraq’s capital city April 18.
Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army worked with 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division to conduct a community health outreach program. The program was designed to give medical attention to local residents who normally do not have access to medical assistance.
“We assessed and treated 102 patients over about two-and-a-half hours,” said Junction City, Kan., native Capt. Brian McCall, commander of 2-32nd’s Battery A. “We did not leave anyone in line; all (who) came were seen.
”The combined Iraqi, coalition force mission was conducted in coordination with the local neighborhood advisory council.“
Mr. Jafron Hassan, a neighborhood advisory council representative, helped the Iraqi Army control the crowd and usher people through the entry control point,” added McCall. “The response from the populace was overwhelmingly positive. Lt. Col. Rahim, the 3rd Bn. Iraqi Army commander, and his men did a great job and really took the lead on the whole event.”
The Iraqi Army battalion surgeon, with his two medics, took the lead on the majority of the assessment and treatment, McCall noted, while a physician’s assistant for the 2-32nd pitched in, as needed.