IA, NP, Strykers provide medical care in Agur Quf

By Pfc. April Campbell
Multi-National Division - Baghdad

ABU GHRAIB, Iraq – As the villagers approached the opening in the sandy brick walls, they could see the security guards outside waiting to search them before they entered.

Once Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers cleared them for entry, the Iraqis knew that, once inside, they would receive the medical care they so desperately needed.

The treatment offered far outweighed the walk there, and the security search was a minor inconvenience; most understood the measures were to provide them a safe haven in which to heal.

Members of the 4th Battalion, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st National Police Division, teamed up with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from the Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, to host a combined medical engagement for residents March 18 in Agur Quf, a village in the district of Abu Ghraib.

The Iraqi army and the national police coordinated the event, along with their MND-B partners, to provide help to the families, said Lt. Col. Mohamad Gawad, who serves as the executive officer of the 2nd Bde., 1st NP Div.

"The mission was an integrated effort. The Iraqis really took the lead – from signing patients in to treating the patients' illnesses," said Capt. Carmen Smith, a Clayton, Calif., native, who serves as the nurse practitioner with the Fire Squadron, 2nd SCR.

All together, medical providers treated approximately 250 villagers for a variety of common health conditions, said Capt. John Hendricks, an Austin, Ind., native, who serves as a doctor with the 2nd SCR's Fire Squadron.

Treating the conditions alongside the coalition forces healthcare providers was Iraqi army 1st Lt. Ali Abdul Hussin Hameed, who serves as a sick call doctor with the 24th Brigade, 6th IA Div.

"We treated many different diseases today ... (including urinary tract infections) and skin diseases," said Ali. "I treated about 25 or 30 people today."

Due to the types of illnesses seen, the health care providers were able to help cure their patients with just one visit.

"Sometimes we treat a lot of chronic conditions, and the patients really need continued care in order to stay well," Smith said. "But here, we treated a lot of acute illnesses people are going to get better from."

Those who received care included an assortment of villagers – from young to old, both male and female.

As a female health-care provider, Smith's presence added an extra dimension of care to the mostly male medical team. As a part of the local custom, Iraqi women need to be seen by female providers for certain medical conditions.

"They'll talk about conditions, such as headaches to their male provider, and then fall back into my line for anything that requires an examination of the ankles, legs, knee or abdominal area," said Smith.

Several of the villagers treated did not live in Agur Quf just a few months ago. Many families in the village moved out due to terrorist activity in the area. Iraqi Security Forces stepped up, however, and have been working with Coalition Forces transition teams, including the 3rd Bn., 2nd Bde., 1st NP Div. Transition Team, led by Maj. Charles Hallman, to make the area safer for its residents.

"Once the 24th Brigade had helped secure this area, families (started) moving (back) in. The (3rd Bn.) was critical in that effort as well. They came in here and established a strong presence, which gave a lot of local people a good feeling of security," said Hallman, a Henderson, Nev., native.

The hard work of the Iraqi security forces here has helped them win the support and trust of the local population.

"There are well over 60 families now that populate the area," Hallman said. "They have a very good relationship with the National Police and the IA."

Along with taking care of the locals, events such as the medical engagement help endorse the already strong relationship between the Iraqis.

"We are so excited to offer medical services to these families, who have returned to their homes after such a long time," Mohamad said.

For the healthcare providers, the mission was an opportunity to do what they do best – help people.

"I am happy to help these people today because being a doctor is to (perform) a human mission," Ali said. "That is why I try to help these people."