Photo By Spc. Richard Vogt | Col. James Polo, commander of the 47th Combat Support Hospital at Mosul Airfield,...... read more read more
Story and Photo by Spc. Richard Vogt
138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, Iraq (Jan. 28, 2006) -- Sometimes an adult can learn from a child. Consider the case of Rakan Mohammed Hassan, a 13-year old Iraqi boy, who tragically lost both parents and was shot when his parents" car approached a patrol of U.S. Soldiers in Tal Afar.
The family was visiting an uncle when they realized that they would not be home before the 8 p.m. curfew. They hurriedly into their car and raced home. U.S. Soldiers were conducting their nightly patrols on the road which they traveled. The father did not see the Soldiers" frantic arm signals to stop. As the car approached the patrol convoy, the U.S. Soldiers opened fire.
That would have been the end of this tragic story if not for Getty Images photographer Chris Hondros, who was patrolling with the Soldiers and took the picture that captivated America.
"I suspect that he's special, that he has had a special quality that was there before the accident," said Col. James Polo, M.D., commander of the 47th Combat Support Hospital, who initially treated Rakan.
Many different people took up Rakan's cause when it became clear he needed extensive care if he were to walk again. Among those willing to help was Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) who sponsored Rakan's visit to Massachusetts, where specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital helped him to recover.
"After much work by our surgeons, physical therapists and rehab doctors, Rakan is now walking with the help of Canadian crutches. Indeed he is working out on the treadmill to regain strength! This is nothing short of unbelievable and a testimony to the boy's fortitude and the help of all of his supporters. Much yet needs to be done. But, he is doing quite well, is happy, and looking forward to returning to Iraq in the next few weeks. I am sure many of you have helped with prayers and donations so I thought you would like this update." wrote Dr. Larry Ronan, one of Rakan's doctors, on a family-sponsored website in December.
Rakan returned to Iraq, arriving at the Combat Support Hospital at Mosul Airfield in late January before being released to his family.
A doctor from Massachusetts General accompanied him in order to brief Col. Polo on Rakan's rehabilitation.
It was evident that the boy was not going to be forgotten because he had made great progress recovering.
Adults who had come into contact with Rakan repeatedly mentioned how special he is.
Two reporters from the Boston Globe who were writing a series on Rakan became attached to the boy.
Rakan spoke little English before going to Massachusetts, but picked it up quickly, according to the reporters. He came back to Iraq with his bag stuffed with Lucky Charms cereal and DVDs.
He said the Spiderman DVD was his favorite. As the group of medical personnel and reporters toured the CSH, Rakan tagged along, teasing them by stepping on their toes with his cane.
Col. Polo reached down and mussed with Rakan's hair. "Our goal is to get him back to his family today." Col. Polo said.
Col. Polo stressed that Rakan's case was very unusual. He repeatedly said that Iraqi medical care is free to all Iraqis and that U.S. Forces try not to interfere with Iraqi medical care.
"He's a great kid," Col. Polo said. "A great kid that affected many lives all over the world."
| Date Taken: | 02.03.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 02.03.2006 09:15 |
| Story ID: | 5298 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 250 |
| Downloads: | 116 |
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