Volunteers show softer side of war, CMOC lets service members help in other ways

Photo By Spc. Cal Turner | Spc. Beatrice Florescu, photojournalist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, III Corps, hands out candy to Iraqi children at the Civil Military Operations Center in Baghdad, Iraq, Jan. 23. Florescu, who now resides at Fort Hood, Texas, said the CMOC helps local Iraqis understand and be open to the military's support.  

02.07.2007

Story by Spc. Laura Bigenho 

28th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Laura M. Bigenho
28th Public Affairs Detachment

In a place where chaos and destruction are part of everyday life, a smile can make a world of a difference. When humanitarian assistance is thrown in, combined with a desire to help others, hearts can be won. Service members and Civilians are progressively winning the hearts of Iraqis in Baghdad at the Civil Military Operation Center.

Located inside the Victory Base Complex, the CMOC opens every day to local Iraqis in need. Most of them come for medical treatment, dental assistance or legal help. Upon departure, visitors receive a bag of humanitarian assistance containing food, clothes, toys, hygiene products and school supplies, said Sgt. 1st Class Juan Perez, CMOC noncommissioned officer in charge, 413th Civil Affairs Battalion.

"The CMOC is a link between the Iraqi and U.S. Governments," Perez said. "When they have a problem we cannot solve, we send them to the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Agriculture or whoever is best suited to help."

Perez estimated 1,000 Iraqis visit monthly, adding its security measures enhance the clinic's success.

"They know we are not here to hurt them," Perez said. "We have guard towers all around, so they are protected and unafraid to walk around or play outside on the playground."

Playing with children on the playground is one of Air Force 1st Lt. Christine Anouchian's favorite activities. Anouchian, a foreign disclosure officer with 5th Air Force Intelligence Directorate, has been receiving boxes of humanitarian assistance from Yokota Air Force Base in Japan, her home station.

"I like to be able to give to the children who will be shaping Iraq's future and let them know we're not here to do bad things," Anouchian said. "A lot of their media campaigns are against Americans, so this is one way of showing them we're here to help."

Several Soldiers help at the clinic daily. In addition to Army doctors and legal assistants, the CMOC staff welcomes all who want to help. Many service members receive boxes from home and bring them to the clinic because they know their goods will go toward a needy cause, Perez said.

Anouchian tries to help at the clinic at least once a month. She always invites fellow service members, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to kids. For her, going to the CMOC is both rewarding and difficult.

"It is a bittersweet feeling. You are happy to help, but bummed they are in such a desperate state," Anouchian said.

While kids are being helped, their parents are usually seeking treatment or advice. Perez described a man who showed up recently who could barely walk. Air Force doctors at the clinic performed an eight hour surgery on him. Afterwards, the tearful patient thanked Perez and the doctor with hugs.

"When we help a person who couldn't find help for months, (the Iraqis) know we are really here to help them," Perez said. "I feel proud of what we're doing here."

Anouchian said she wishes more people knew about the CMOC and encouraged people to contact her if they want to go. She also said the center is in special need of vitamins, lotions, shampoos and hygiene items.

"It is important for us to help them and leave with a positive impact," she said.

"You can see the work we perform here to help the Iraqis get a better understanding of the Army," Perez said. "We are here to help them."

• Date Taken: 02.07.2007
• Date Posted: 02.07.2007 13:09
• Story ID: 9085