QRF responds to local needs

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers from Bravo Troop 1/82 CAV, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, give aid to an Iraqi girl while on patrol October 3, 2009. The Soldiers were on their way in when they were approached by the girl's father. The girl had second and third degree burns on her feet. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Mark Dills)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.14.2009

Story by Spc. Anita Stratton 

41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team

VICTORY BASE COMPLEX, Baghdad - Base defense of Victory Base Complex is a big responsibility for the Soldiers of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Bravo Troop, 1/82 Cavalry, Quick Reaction Force is ever vigilant when they are on patrol.

On Oct. 3, 2009, the Soldiers set out on the usual mission of base security. They were on one of the first patrols outside the base when they were approached by a man carrying a little girl. They had heard the soldiers were in the area and came looking for care.

"We were on our way in when they came up asking for help," said Sgt. Mark Dills, truck commander and medic.

The girl was about two or three years old and had third degree burns on her feet, he said.
"The bandages didn't look like they were done properly so we re-wrapped and re-bandaged them," Dills said. "Specialist Gorham pitched in and helped."

While on their military missions, the Soldiers continued their humanitarian mission.
On Oct. 14, the Soldiers were again heading out for three different purposes: route patrol, force protection and to find the little girl.

Route clearance is the main mission. Bringing a force protection soldier along to look at barriers between VBC and Baghdad was an additional mission. Finding the girl was the third part of the mission.

"Part of the mission today was to go out and check up on her and give her more medical supplies for her care," said Dills.

With the help of local people, the soldiers learned the girl was from another village.

Although they were unable to deliver more bandages to the girl, the soldiers accomplished their military mission: They found new roads outside the base and also got the information force protection needed to complete their mission.

• Date Taken: 10.14.2009
• Date Posted: 12.15.2009 08:42
• Story ID: 42770
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ