U.S., Iraqi Troops Rescue Malnourished Boys From Baghdad Orphanage

Jun 21, 2007
BY Multinational Corps Iraq Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD - U.S. and Iraqi army forces found an orphanage housing 24 severely malnourished and abused boys in Baghdad's Fajr neighborhood June 10, military officials reported yesterday.

The 24 boys, ranging in age from 3 to 15, were found naked in a darkened room without any windows. Many of the children were tied to their beds and were too weak to stand, officials said.

In a nearby locked room, the Soldiers discovered food and clothing that could have been used to aid the children. Three women claiming to be the caretakers, and two men - the orphanage director and a guard - were on the site when the Soldiers arrived.

The Iraqi Soldiers notified members of the Fajr Neighborhood Advisory Council and escorted them to the orphanage to assist the boys. Paratroopers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, and a 492nd Civil Affairs Team also arrived at the orphanage with medics to treat the malnourished boys.

"The council members were crying at the sight of the starving boys," said Navy Lt. James Cook, a civil affairs officer. The neighborhood council arranged for three ambulances to take the boys to the Iskan Hospital for care.

"We're very grateful that this story unfolded the way that it did - that none of these 24 boys lost their lives. This is a story of partnership, courageous action and compassion overcoming deplorable negligence," said Army Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks, Multinational Division Baghdad's deputy commanding general.

"The role of the Iraqi soldiers and the community council was a key to this action being taken to save these young boys," Brooks said. "We're very fortunate to have the kind of Soldiers we have who are willing to take action, even at personal risk, to save the lives of others. These Soldiers, in a literal and figurative sense, are the best chance for Iraq, just as they were for these boys."

Photo - Staff Sgt. Kyle Richey cares for one of 24 starving boys in the back of an Iraqi army ambulance. Civic leaders escorted the abused and malnourished boys, found by U.S. and Iraqi soldiers in a Baghdad orphanage, to the Iskan Hospital for medical treatment. Photo by Lt. James Cook.

Leaders, Wounded Warriors Celebrate Army Birthday at WRAMC

13-Jun-07
by Bernard S. Little
Army News Service.

WASHINGTON - Walter Reed Army Medical Center joined installations and commands worldwide this week in celebrating the Army's 232nd birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony Tuesday in the hospital's Heaton Pavilion.

Acting Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, acting U.S. Army Surgeon Gen. Maj. Gen. Gale Pollock and Sgt. Maj. Of the Army Kenneth O. Preston attended the celebration honoring those who answered the "Call to Duty - Boots on the Ground - Army Strong," this year's Army birthday theme.

Maj. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, commanding general of the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and WRAMC, said medics have been a part of the Army for almost its entire existence, pointing out that about a month after the Continental Congress established an Army to defend the colonies, a medical service was created for care for the 20,000-member Continental Army.

"We've had our boots on the ground as Soldiers almost since our inception as a defender of America's freedoms," Maj. Gen. Schoomaker said. "It's also fitting to celebrate at the place where our first mission is to put warriors back on their feet to return to the fighting force and resume their lives."

Walter Reed has treated nearly 6,000 patients from Operation Iraqi Freedom since the war began. More than 2,000 of those troops were injured in battle. Walter Reed has also treated nearly 550 patients from Operation Enduring Freedom, and more than 180 of those troops were injured in battle.

Maj. Gen. Schoomaker spoke of attending the funeral last year of Cpl. Angelo Vaccaro, a medic killed while serving with the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. "Only days after a major enemy encounter, during which he performed courageously saving many lives, Soldiers from his unit once again came under major enemy fire suffering several casualties." Cpl. Vaccaro volunteered to evacuate the injured while the battle continued, and was killed by enemy fire.

"His sacrifice and call to duty will not be forgotten," Maj. Gen. Schoomaker said of Cpl. Vaccaro.

Walter Reed's Warrior Transition Brigade headquarters will be named after Cpl. Vaccaro later this year.

SMA Preston agreed that birthdays provide a special time to reflect. "As we reflect back on the Army's history we see our nation's history. There are 178 streamers on the Army flag. Each one represents critical events in the history of our Army, nation and world. These critical events represent sacrifices by Soldiers. They not only sacrificed themselves, but they were there to save the day," he said.

The SMA spoke of Sgt. Maj. Brent Jorgensen, who was injured in Iraq but recovered and redeployed. He was injured again when the vehicle he was riding in was hit by two rocket-propelled grenades. Then a first sergeant, he suffered a severe head injury, wounded right knee and left leg amputation at the knee. His driver was killed.

During Sgt. Maj. Jorgensen's recovery, he was selected for promotion to sergeant major and to attend the Sergeants Major Academy. "Two weeks ago, I handed him his diploma as he walked across the stage. He was the first-ever amputee to attend the academy and graduate. He will soon be the sergeant major for the Army's Wounded Warrior Program and report to Walter Reed in July.

"These are incredible stories of the spirit of the American Soldier and a testament to the efforts of Army health-care professionals," SMA Preston said.

Sec. Geren said much as changed since the Army's birth on June 14, 1775, including technology, uniforms and medicine. "But one thing has not changed - the centerpiece of the Army and our nation's defense - the Soldier."

Photo - Installations and commands worldwide are celebrating the Army's 232nd birthday this week. Shown here is the sword presented to Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston to cut a cake at a ceremony at the U.S. Senate June 12. Photo by Staff Sgt. Christina M. O'Connell.

CJTF-HOA saves lives with medical civic action program

6-Jun-07
by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard
CJTF-HOA Public Affairs.

GARISSA, Kenya – For the residents of two remote African villages where common colds and cuts can have deadly outcomes, a mobile U.S. military medical team recently brought more than just healthcare – it brought life.

Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa servicemembers conducted a Medical Civic Action Program in the villages of Shimbir and Balich in Kenya through a partnership with the Kenyan Department of Defense which provided additional medical providers and logistical support. The team also received assistance from many other local and government agencies to include the Kenyan Red Cross, USAID, the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion and U.S. Embassy Nairobi personnel.

“These two sites were recommended by the ministry of health due to their lack of medical attention,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Vicente Perez, 350th Civil Affairs Command Functional Specialty Team and MEDCAP mission commander. “In both villages, the locals saw for first time the KDOD, the Red Cross and U.S. representatives helping the communities together.”

While each organization brought its own specialty to the project, everyone involved rallied around the common goal of providing much needed medical care for more than 1,000 men, women and children.

“It’s a lot of hard, physical work preparing for and conducting a MEDCAP. People have to step out of the box and, sometimes, their comfort zones,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Dawn Fruits, 350th CACOM Functional Specialty Team first sergeant. “We had an awesome team that really worked well together. It was a team that came together and ensured the people in these remote Kenyan villages received the medical care they needed.”

At each MEDCAP village site, participants were first registered and screened to determine their specific healthcare needs. People with minor concerns, such as scrapes and aches, were directed to the Wound Care and Fast Track stations, respectively, where they were seen by physician assistants and nurses.

“For me personally, the most rewarding thing that I got from this MEDCAP was the fact that I could help people on a much larger level,” said U.S. Army Sgt. John Martie, Delta Company 1/3 senior line medic and Wound Care station lead. “The fact that I could have a huge impact on a person’s life is something I will always appreciate.”

Those patients with more serious or in-depth concerns, such as chest pains or severe coughs, were sent to the Consult station where they were seen by doctors and physician assistants.

“For hundreds of people we were able to clear up skin infections, cure bladder infections, decrease the risk of serious respiratory disease, provide for a healthier pregnancy and give some relief from chronic pain,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) David Burch, CJTF-HOA command surgeon. “There were also several individuals who quite possibly could have died or lost a limb if we had not intervened when we did, such as the 10 year-old with a serious infection around the knee joint, the gentleman with a deep, soft tissue abscess, or the pair of brothers with respiratory illness that was evolving into Pneumonia.”

Once diagnosed, patients picked up their prescriptions at the improvised pharmacy. With about 130 different types of medications valued at more than $50,000, this station required the most time to set-up and organize.

“The most logistically challenging aspect was having the MEDCAP in two locations with no permanent area to set up the pharmacy,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lance Rodgers, 350th CACOM Functional Specialty Team medical team chief. “Everyone pitched in though and we overcame several minor setbacks.”

From the pharmacy, the patients stopped by the Preventive Medicine station where they were given information on items like nutrition and dental care, as well as multivitamins and personal de-worming medication.

“Preventive medicine plays a key role in developing a healthier population,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Pauline Lucas, CJTF-HOA public health officer. “Basic items such as multivitamins and de-worming medications prevent multiple diseases such as Scurvy, Beriberi, Ascariasis and Anemia that are prevalent in this region.”

At this final station, the residents also received mosquito nets for each member of their family, a simple yet possibly life-saving item.

“Malaria causes over a million deaths every year worldwide -- a majority of which are young children in Africa,” said Lucas. “Prevention methods such as using mosquito nets and insect repellents are the best way to minimize if not prevent exposures to insects that carry a variety of vector borne diseases such as Malaria and Yellow Fever; a majority of which are deadly.”

Once armed with education, medications and healthcare items, the local residents returned to their homes, expressing gratitude to the MEDCAP team along the way.

“One of the local people told us that people would remember the MEDCAP for years to come,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Alana Conley, 350th CACOM Functional Specialty Team physician assistant. “I think this MEDCAP has given people in the region a positive outlook on the partnership between their government and the United States.”

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn Of Africa began operations at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on May 13, 2003. The task force’s mission is to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism. The mission is accomplished by partnering with nations on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, consequence management, civic action programs to include medical and veterinary care, school and medical clinic construction and water development projects

Photo - Kenyan Department of Defense servicemembers unload medical supplies during a Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Medical Civic Action Program. CJTF-HOA servicemembers conducted the MEDCAP in the villages of Shimbir and Balich in Kenya through a partnership with the Kenyan Department of Defense which provided additional medical providers and logistical support. More than 1,000 people received healthcare as part of the project. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard.

Teamwork brings humanitarian aid to Paruns

21 May 2007
By Army Pfc. Daniel M. Rangel
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

PARUNS, Afghanistan - Servicemembers of Operation Ice Axe conducted a medical engagement in the remote Paruni village of Mondi May 4-5.

Operation Ice Axe included units from the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team; Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment; U.S. Special Forces Soldiers and the Asadabad PRT.

“Our mission here in Nuristan is to extend the reach of Coalition forces,” said Army Maj. Thomas B. Gukeisen, 1-32 Inf. Regt. executive officer.

“We’re establishing a provincial development council for the first time in Nuristan with assistance from the Nuristan PRT,” Gukeisen said.

The medical engagement is seen as part of a larger effort to gain popular support and to assist Tamim Nouristani, governor of Nuristan province.

Gukeisen said the engagement treated approximately 300 people the first day, to include 75 women and children.

“Our mission here is to give medical assistance to the women and children and win the hearts and minds of the local people,” said Spc. Ashley Brown, a medic based out of Camp Blessing.

Scores of Paruni people stood patiently in line to get medical care as their children played with the toys from the Humanitarian Aid packages that were handed out at the site.

“They were really appreciative,” said a U.S. interpreter originally from Kandahar who called herself Farita. “They really needed a lot of help. All the people I spoke to want us to come back. They’re really looking forward to having Coalition forces here.”

Supplies were delivered using Containerized Delivery System drops. Two such drops were conducted during Operation Ice Axe.

“We did a drop the other day that ended up in the mountains,” said Sgt. 1st Class John P. Rome, mortar platoon sergeant and one of six pathfinder-qualified individuals in the battalion.

Rome and 2nd Platoon Charlie Company, 1-32 Inf., led the community-wide effort to recover the lost pallets of HA supplies.

“The interesting thing about it is all the towns and all the locals came forward with donkeys and horses and it was a community effort to come together to recover the CDS,” Gukeisen said.

The pallets dropped from the C-130 were difficult to find in the heavily-wooded mountains at 8,000 feet above sea level where oxygen is thin. Fatigue slowed down the entire process. The amount of effort taken to get the packages to their intended destination was considerable, but the teamwork between the local community, the Soldiers of 1-32 Inf. Regt. and the Air Force made the mission a success.

Photo: Navy Lt. Cmdr. William C. Ashby, physicians assistant and medical officer for Nuristan PRT, treats a local Afghan May 4 in the Mondi village during the medical engagement.

Airmen, Soldiers Mentor Afghan Medical Instructors

10 April 2007
By Staff Sgt. Carlos Diaz
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan – A team of five highly-skilled Air Force and Army medics mentor Afghan National Army instructors at the combat medic school in Kabul.

Their mission is to guide the ANA instructors into leading the combat medic course, which was recently extended to eight weeks. As instructors, they serve as mentors and help promote the growth and professionalism of the ANA’s road to self-sufficiency.

“The ANA has never had medics in the field,” said Army Master Sgt. Jeffrey Ryle, combat medic course instructor. “So, after further discussions with the ANATEC (Afghan National Army Training and Education Command), a combat medic course was implemented.”

The course teaches basic emergency medical technician information, anatomy and physiology theory, airway management and patient assessment, just to name a few.

Initially, the course was six weeks, but after further evaluation, it was determined that two more weeks needed to be added to the curriculum.

“We just didn’t have enough time to get them trained during the original timeframe,” Ryle said. “This extra training is necessary to enhance those basic medical skills even more.”

Inside of a lecture classroom in the basement of the combat medic school, Sen. Airman Phillip Bordé teaches a note-taking class to a roomful of students.

“I noticed a need for the students to have good note-taking abilities,” said Bordé, who’s deployed from the 42nd Medical Operations Squadron in Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. “This class should also improve their study skills.” the EMT with two years of outpatient clinic experience said.

Soon after the class ended, Master Sgt. Sherri Tarun, a medical mentor, addressed the students. “After these eight weeks, you’ll be disciplined combat medics ready for war,” she said.

Once the students graduate, they receive sustainment training in the field, Tarun, who’s deployed from the 375th Aeromedical Squadron in Scott AFB, Ill., added.

“It’s great for the students to see us working with the ANA instructors side by side,” Sergeant Tarun said.

One of the ANA instructors is a four-year member of the medical corps. He enjoys working with his American counterparts.

“We’ve learned so much from the American instructors,” ANA Master Sgt. Mohammad Sohaib said. “They’ve guided and helped us in teaching the students. That help allows us to produce the best leaders from this course.”

Sohaib said the students receive classroom lecture during the morning hours and in the afternoon perform hands-on-training in the field.

In the afternoon, the students walked several cement steps toward a rocky knoll. Scattered rocks dominated the hill’s walking path while tall trees dotted the rest of the site.

The students were separated into five groups.

Bordé approached his group, removed his desert camouflage uniform top and wrapped a blood pressure meter around his arm.

The students then took turns with the meter to monitor their systolic blood pressure and stethoscope to hear each other’s pulses.

In another group, Army Master Sgt. Craig Abrom, NCOIC of the combat medic course, took advantage of — what he calls — “opportunity training.”

“I enjoy this type of training because I can quiz and ask questions,” the 22-year Soldier said. “It reinforces what the students have just learned.”

Abrom enforces communication within the students’ learning. He asked the shy students questions so they can become more vocal and comfortable with the material.

“I really enjoy working with these young soldiers, “he said. “I get a kick out of seeing the light bulb come up above their heads. We’re really making a difference with them.”

Two of those students were Mohammad Haleem and Mohammad Sadiq. Their first name wasn’t the only thing they shared.

“We really like the course,” they said. “The medical teachings are well done, and we enjoy learning from the ANA and American instructors, too.”

ANA student Sadiq seemed to grasp the course material. “This course makes sense to me, and I understand it well,” he confidently said.

Abrom noted the students’ gradual improvement and progression.

“The quality of the medics’ knowledge has vastly improved,” he said.