Photo By Spc. Jason Jordan | CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- Noor's mother consoles her on the way to the airport. Baby Noor,...... read more read more
By Pfc. Jason Jordan
1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division PAO
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq " American Soldiers" humanitarian actions, following a routine search in the Abu Ghraib district of Baghdad, brought a holiday miracle into the life of a family in the poverty-stricken village.
The Soldiers said they were "only doing their job" when they took steps to ensure prompt and expert medical care for a 3-month-old Iraqi baby girl suffering from the birth defect spina bifida.
Coalition Forces spend every day carrying out missions to rid Iraq of terrorists and help develop a free and democratic country in which the people can enjoy all of the benefits that freedom brings, said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Sonen, platoon sergeant with Company C, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.
The softer side to this difficult mission is the opportunity to offer humanitarian assistance, he added.
"This is part of our mission. This is what we do," said Sonen. "Every time we do a mission (or) a raid, we (also) do a thorough assessment of each home. We check for sewage, electricity, food and the medical problems of the families."
"Providing (medical) benefits to the Iraqi people is an enriching part of our mission," said Capt. Keith Compton, pediatrician, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division. Baby Noor is an example of the good Soldiers are doing in the country, he said.
Recalling the day of the search, Compton said, "I looked into Baby Noor's eyes, and they were so wide and eager " it's no wonder why we have all grown so attached to her."
The opportunity to assist Baby Noor came during a routine operation termed a "cordon and knock" while Soldiers did their usual evaluation of conditions in the home.
"When I saw Baby Noor and her condition, I felt the burden to take care of her and I incorporated the more-than-eager Soldiers around me," said Pfc. Justin Donnelly, a 10th Mountain Division medic attached to the 121st Battalion. "I have always wanted to help others, and I joined the Army as a medic for that reason."
Donnelly said he has seen and treated more Iraqi citizens than he has fellow Soldiers.
"As a medic, I have the desire and the mission to help anyone, whether they are American or Iraqi citizens," said Donnelly. "When it comes to life and liberty, everyone deserves an equal chance, and that's what we wanted to give Baby Noor " a second chance at life."
Donnelly discovered a tumor on the baby's back during the medical assessment. His compassion for the baby's apparent condition led him to take and show photos of her to his commanders. He appealed for an opportunity to follow through and obtain lifesaving medical assistance for the child.
"Many of the Soldiers are fathers themselves and sympathize with the suffering of any child," said Donnelly.
"We collectively decided this (Baby Noor) is going to be our project," said Sonen.
There is no difference between the children of American Soldiers and the children of Iraq, and they all deserve the best chance in life.
"The children are the future. These children will remember us and remember that we were here to help. If we do nothing else in our mission than save this baby's life, then we will have done enough for success."
Compton recognized other humanitarian efforts Soldiers have undertaken during their tours of duty here.
"Helping the Iraqi people through providing free clinics and other medical missions and health care has been an integral part of the Soldiers" mission from the beginning, and they have taken great pride in helping the people through hard times," said Compton.
Baby Noor al-Zahra arrived in Atlanta Jan. 1 on a military transport accompanied by her father and grandmother. She underwent surgery performed by Atlanta Hospital's chief of pediatric neurosurgery, Dr. Roger Hudgins " free of charge, thanks to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The Associated Press reports she is recovering well following surgery.
| Date Taken: | 01.04.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.04.2006 12:37 |
| Story ID: | 4268 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 301 |
| Downloads: | 51 |
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