Rescued Afghan child, checked out by US medic: Doing well

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

04.12.2013

Story by Capt. Jennifer Dyrcz 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

CAMP NATHAN SMITH, Afghanistan – Ismatalluah, the child rescued from a well April 7 by Afghan and U.S. soldiers from both 3rd Tolai, 6th Kandak and Centurion Company, 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment was evaluated April 10 by a U. S. medic. The boy’s father had brought him to the Centurion soldiers after complaints of a hurt elbow and pain breathing.

“I cleaned up his elbow and arm abrasions, gave his dad anti-infection medication and bandages and checked his lungs due to breathing complaints,” said Sgt. James Wilcox, medic for Centurion Company.

All things considered, he is doing well, said Wilcox.

When the Soldiers from Centurion Company go on patrols they tell the Afghan villagers they meet they can come to the U.S. base for basic medical attention. However, there is still caution on the part of the civilians to be seen with the Americans.

The dad seemed shocked at first but then pleased to see how fast his son was getting help from the medic, said Staff Sgt. Leland Campbell, Centurion Company infantryman.

Ismatalluah was cautious at first but some of the soldiers gave him candy and found a stuffed animal to give to him while he was being checked out to help him relax, said Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Simmons, Centurion Company platoon sergeant.

“We got to show we are actually here to help them, said Simmons.

“We don’t always get a chance to show our real intentions, for the villagers to understand we are here to help. But if they trust us enough to bring their children here it is really telling in a good way,” said Capt. Matthew Burton, commander of Centurion Company.

“This just feels good. I joined to help people,” said Wilcox.

• Date Taken: 04.12.2013
• Date Posted: 04.12.2013 12:31
• Story ID: 105095
• Location: KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AF