MND-B, Iraqi medics reach out to residents of Ghazaliyah

Photo By Spc. Joshua Ramey | BAGHDAD – Residents of Baghdad's Ghazaliyah neighborhood wait in line Tuesday at the entrance of a school house to receive medical examinations offered as a free service by Iraqi army soldiers and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers. The medical operation was in support of Operation Together Forward which hopes to build trust between local residents and Iraqi Security Forces. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua Ramey, 2nd BCT PAO, 1st Armored Div., MND-B)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.20.2006

Story by Spc. Joshua Ramey 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

by Spc. Joshua Ramey
2nd BCT PAO, 1st Armored Div.

BAGHDAD – Iraqi army soldiers, along with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, provided free medical examinations and treatment Wednesday to the residents of Baghdad's Ghazaliyah neighborhood in support of Operation Together Forward.

The medical operation treated nearly 400 local residents. There were no reports of violence as the people received medical advice, medicine and dental work.

The most common ailments treated was high blood pressure, diabetes, mal-nutrition and dental problems, said Maj. Huy Luu, a doctor with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment.

"I feel we're here to help the Iraqi people and to improve the relationship of the Iraqi people and the Iraqi army," said Luu.

The signs of improving relationships could be seen in the attitude of the citizens who live and work in the Ghazaliyah area.

"The people in this area were treated well by Saddam, and he spent over twenty years feeding them lies that Americans are evil, said Lt. Dhafer Aziz, a doctor with 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. "Now, we are changing this idea. People will start to see the truth about Americans.

"The most important thing is to convince these people who they can trust, without using violence. Operations like this really help to change the view of the Iraqi army and the Americans."

At the end of the day, the medical operation proved to be a positive experience for the local residents and Iraqi Security Forces as well as being a good opportunity for MND-B Soldiers to interact with the local populace.

Pfc. Mark Miller of HHC, 1st Bn., 23rd Inf. Regt., assisted with helping the flow of Iraqi civilians through the examination process.

"The people have been amazing. They are very friendly and I especially like the children. With all of the bad things that go on around here, this really helps us know who we're here for," said Mark Miller.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2006
• Date Posted: 09.20.2006 11:43
• Story ID: 7782
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ