IA, 506th RCT conduct medical operations in east Baghdad

Photo By Sgt. Paul Ondik | FOB LOYALTY, Iraq -- Sgt. Tommy Padgett, battalion armorer, 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, serving with the 506th Regimental Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, from Clinton, N.Y., fills a ball that is part of the humanitarian aid during a medical operation in the Shaab and Ur section of east Baghdad Sept. 30. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Paul David Ondik, 506th RCT, 101st Abn. Div.)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.08.2006

Story by Sgt. Paul Ondik 

506th Regimental Combat Team Public Affairs

by Pfc. Paul David Ondik
506th RCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div.

FOB LOYALTY, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers working together with elements of the 9th Iraqi Army Division and local Iraqi leadership, conducted a medical operation and provided humanitarian assistance to residents in the Shaab and Ur neighborhoods of east Baghdad Sept. 30.

For the Soldiers of 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, and Troop A, 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry, of the 506th Regimental Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, participating in the project, the operation was an opportunity to interact on a personnel level with the people they were deployed to help. The medical operations have provided medical screenings and treatment to more than 2,000 Iraqi patients.

"This is our fifth of a total of six operations that were planned, and they're getting better," said Capt. Brian Wilson, medical operations planner, 414th CA Bn. "Each time we're seeing more patients. The Iraqi army is stepping up a little more each time."

"So far we've just been trying to get clothes together to get out to the folks who need it," added Spc. Allison Lancewicz, a military intelligence analyst, serving with the 506th RCT. "I love working with little kids. This is the best job."

After patients were assessed and treated by Iraqi and American personnel, they were provided an opportunity to pick up clothes and supplies for the new school year. The items were donated by concerned civilians back in the United States.

"Everybody's excited about getting some new clothes for school," said Wilson. "It's the beginning of the school year, so we're giving each parent the choice of three things per child."

The operation is intended to serve as a template for future operations, with the Iraqi army conducting them independently of MND-B Forces.

"The idea of this is to help Iraqis learn so they can do it on their own. That is the whole point behind it," Wilson said.

• Date Taken: 10.08.2006
• Date Posted: 10.08.2006 17:50
• Story ID: 7953
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ