Amputee Combat Veterans Return to Iraq to 'Close the Loop'

Photo By Sgt. Kathleen Briere | Sgt. Marco A. Robledo from Clarksville, Ark., explains his prosthetic arm and hand to Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Nguyen from Boston, Mass., at the Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Baghdad, June 21. Robledo, along with five other Soldiers, have returned to Iraq to visit forward operating bases to witness the changes that have taken place due to their sacrifices. They are part of a pilot program, "Operation Proper Exit," run by Troop's First Foundation, an organization sponsored by the United Service Organization. Robledo was injured May 26, 2007 by an improvised explosive device while in a convoy.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

06.23.2009

Story by Sgt. Kathleen Briere 

Multi-National Corps Iraq Public Affairs

BAGHDAD - Six amputee combat veterans put their uniforms back on and returned to Iraq today for the first time since sustaining their injuries in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the rotunda of the Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Baghdad, they introduced themselves to hundreds of their brothers and sisters in arms in support of yet another operation, Operation Proper Exit.

Operation Proper Exit is a pilot program being introduced by Gen. Peter Chiarelli, Vice Chief of Staff, Army, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston.

The program is run by the Troops First Foundation, which is supported by the USO. It allows troops who sustained injuries in combat to return to the camps or bases at which they were housed.

"This was their idea. They wanted to come back," said Staff Sgt. Alejandro Perez, the command sergeant major administrative non-commissioned officer, Multi-National Force — Iraq. Working directly with and for Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson, MNF-I, Perez has planned and orchestrated their week-long visit here.

Brig. Gen. Heidi V. Brown, deputy commanding general, Mulit-National Corp — Iraq introduced herself to, and coined each returning service member. She said she was glad they came back and that she hopes their visit here "closes the loop."

The troops and their entourage are scheduled to visit seven locations during their visit this week.

"This was their idea. They wanted to come back," said Staff Sgt. Alejandro Perez, the command sergeant major administrative non-commissioned officer, Multi-National Force — Iraq. Working directly with and for Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson, MNF-I, Perez has planned and orchestrated their week-long visit here.

Brig. Gen. Heidi V. Brown, deputy commanding general, Multi-National Corp — Iraq introduced herself, and coined each returning service member. She said she was glad they came back and that she hopes their visit here "closes the loop."

The troops and their entourage are scheduled to visit seven locations during their visit this week.

• Date Taken: 06.23.2009
• Date Posted: 06.23.2009 11:29
• Story ID: 35528
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ