'Dragon' Battalion, 17th Iraqi Army Division outreach operation helps hundreds in need

Courtesy Photo | An Iraqi girl looks at a handheld water filter unit that her parents received from soldiers of the 17th Iraqi Army Division during a humanitarian outreach operation at Joint Security Station Deason Feb. 22. A total of 275 filters, which play an important role in the health of people in areas that may not have access to clean drinking water, were distributed. (U.S. Army photo by Lt Col Michael Ernst, 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD-C)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.22.2011

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs

Story by: 2nd Lt. Patrick Leroy Beaudry

BAGHDAD—The 17th Iraqi Army Division and Company D, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center came together in Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad, to provide medical aid and supplies to Iraqi citizens in need. The outreach operation started off early on the morning of Feb. 22, with just a trickle of people showing up at the 17th IA Division’s headquarters, where the doctors and supplies had been concentrated.

The 17th IA Div. soldiers then transported hundreds of people to their headquarters from the further reaches of their area of operations. Suddenly, many others began arriving on their own in order to take advantage of the medical aid and other goods allotted for them. The small initial crowd had swelled to fill the entire seating area at the 17th IA Division’s beloved soccer field.

Despite the size of the crowds, people waited patiently in the stands to receive supplies and medical treatment. Medical supplies were in great demand, according to the doctors providing aid.

“[The operation] went a long way to show the people of Mahmudiyah and the outlying communities that their government cares for them and is taking an active approach to help them in whatever ways they can,” said Capt. Michael McClain, commander of Company D, 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt., 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD-C and a Johnstown, Pa., native.

This mission was unique in that it was entirely planned and executed by the Iraqi Army. Enabling the people to witness the Iraqi Army and government’s concern for their well being fosters a stronger relationship between them and the people, and develop the trust that is needed to build a more stable Iraq, McClain said.

Iraqi Army Staff Maj. Gen. Ali Jasim, commander of the 17th IA Div., reinforced his commitment to the people of Iraq during a speech in which he reiterated his desire to conduct humanitarian events like this one as often as possible.

“The Iraqi Army really took the initiative to get these humanitarian supplies to the people who need them the most,” McClain said. “Without their help and support, this would never have happened.”

• Date Taken: 02.22.2011
• Date Posted: 03.15.2011 05:55
• Story ID: 67073
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ