Adwaniyah opens middle school, health clinic

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Jason Stadel | An Adwaniyah middle school student receives school supplies during the school's grand opening held, March 26. Some of the supplies were donated by American students to Iraqi students. The remodeled school will hold traditional and religious classes.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

03.26.2008

Story by Sgt. Jason Stadel 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. Jason Stadel, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

FORWARD OPRATING BASE KALSU, Iraq - Adwaniyah citizens who were once afraid to leave their homes because of al-Qaida in Iraq, freely gathered, March 26, to celebrate the grand opening of a middle school and health clinic.

Much of the work was done using Commander's Emergency Response Program funds. Coalition forces assisted in rebuilding the school and clinic but the government of Iraq was key to the projects' success.

The GoI has recognized the school and clinic and will keep teachers and medical professionals working at each location.

One Soldier at Patrol Base Dolby, near Adwaniyah, is pleased to see the Iraqis taking charge of their community and said educating Iraq's children is essential to rebuilding Iraq.

"They will eventually inherit this country," said 2nd Lt. Steven Kim, a platoon leader in Troop B, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. "Giving the kids an education will help them learn how to make their country better."

A ministry of health doctor said the clinic will offer Adwaniyah residents basic medical care such as preventive medicine, vaccinations and maternal care and treat minor dental problems and basic illnesses.

"We all want to do what we can to address some of the medical needs in Adwaniyah," Dr. Saud Abdullah said. "This clinic will help Adwaniyah."

For major surgeries and traumas, residents will still need to go to hospitals in Mahmudiyah and Baghdad.

Happiness at improving their city was apparent as citizens smiled and shook hands with U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers and GoI officials.

Kim said it was a good day for the troops. "You get to know the people," said the Los Angeles native. "I'm happy for them; it's good to see their community improve."

• Date Taken: 03.26.2008
• Date Posted: 03.31.2008 14:10
• Story ID: 17937
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ