Muthanna Security Forces Enables Cure in Iraq

By Capt. Robin Worch

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2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt., 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Noor Muhammad, a seven-year-old girl from Rumyitha in Muthanna Province, came to a cooperative medical engagement with an earache her father could not cure. After a few minutes with American and Iraqi doctors, she happily walked away with appropriate care instructions and medication. The Iraqi Security Forces in the Muthanna Province partnered with the Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and Muthanna's Provincial Reconstruction Team during this medical engagement located near Contingency Operating Base Adder.

"The Americans are very good to us," said Noor. "I am very happy to be able to see a doctor and get better." Security for the event was a combined effort by the Thunder Horse Battalion's Soldiers and Iraqi troops. The Iraqi forces provided a security screening before patients were allowed into the treatment areas. "This shows what can be accomplished by coordination between not only the PRT and Coalition forces, but also with the local security forces and government," said Maj. Dustin Harris, the Thunder Horse Battalion's executive officer from Killeen, Texas. "This has been a great event that served the people of Muthanna and provided a necessary service for over 300 Iraqis." The medical engagement was the culmination of work done by Coalition forces, the Muthanna PRT and the Iraqi government.

"The training and mentoring of Iraqi doctors by American doctors was enthusiastic and will pay dividends for the people of Muthanna in terms of improved care for everyone," said Adam Smith, Muthanna PRT.

The PRT distributed approximately 90 wheelchairs to area residents in need. The wheelchairs will replace makeshift wagons and chairs for those citizens.

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