Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers give joint aid to Musharah

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Mark Schenk | Sgt. Ray Chavez, from Arlington, Texas, and Pfc. Jonathon Ahrem, from Long Island, N.Y., treat a young Iraqi boy during a joint humanitarian mission, March 8.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HUNTER, IRAQ

03.16.2009

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Schenk 

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HUNTER, Iraq – Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers conducted a joint humanitarian mission to provide medical attention and essential supplies to the citizens of Musharah near the military base, March 8.

The 1st and 3rd battalions, of the 41st Iraqi Army Brigade lead the effort with assistance from Soldiers of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Approximately 210 Iraqi children from this community in Iraq's Maysan province benefited from the mission.
During the visit, American medics examined the children for everything from routine stuffy noses to a number of complex health problems, which were eventually referred to the Iraqi National Assistance Center in Baghdad for possible treatment in America.

"I was just recently attached to this unit, so this was my first mission," said Spc. Brenda Goode, a combat medic assigned to the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment. "I was really surprised, not only by the diversity of the complaints, but by how nice the people were and how grateful they were for our support."

The Musharah children also received school supplies, vitamins, toys, blankets, games and clothes that were donated from families, friends and organizations at Ft Hood, Texas. The Soldiers also supplied the local clinic with medications and donated medical supplies.

"It's just so kind of the families who sent this to us; not knowing us, but willing to help us," said an Iraqi mother who brought her son in for an ear infection. "I am overcome with their generosity."

Soldiers and mothers alike found something to be grateful for during the mission.

"Helping these kids really makes me miss my own at home, but I know it makes a difference," said Staff Sgt. Kristofer Van Maaren, a native of Petaluma, Calif., and senior scout, assigned to 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. "But I know that we are accomplishing something not just for the here and now, but their future as well."

• Date Taken: 03.16.2009
• Date Posted: 03.16.2009 06:10
• Story ID: 31155
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HUNTER, IQ