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Striking up the operations

Oct- 1-2005 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

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MARGARET FRIEDENAUER

Soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Fort Wainwright and Fort Richardson Army posts have been busy in Iraq.

The Task Force Freedom Multinational Force-Northwest in Mosul has issued several press releases over the last two weeks about the activities of the brigade, including detaining suspected terrorists, finding weapons caches and recovering explosives. But the brigade is also carving out time for humanitarian projects.

According to Maj. Herman B. Cheatham Jr., chaplain with the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment with the 172nd, soldiers with the 1-17th held a one-day medical clinic for Iraqi citizens in the unit's area of operation. Soldiers conducted a medical screening of women, children and men in Al Jededa, a neighborhood within Mosul. The team consisted of interpreters, medical professionals, infantry soldiers, coalition forces and a religious support team.


Cheatham said the clinic was mainly an effort of goodwill to the people in the local area. More than 234 people were medically screened and treated. Cheatham said in talking with one of the doctors it was discovered some of the individuals could have been helped better if their injuries were treated sooner.

"The harsh reality sat in that assets are too few and we cannot help as many people as desired," Cheatham wrote.

He said the Iraqis were appreciative, shaking hands, smiling and saying, "Thank you," in English.

"The citizens here are kind, helpful and appreciative of our efforts. Most voiced their support for what we were doing in their neighborhood," said Maj. Craig Triscar, battalion executive officer for the 1-17th.

Cheatham said that after the medical screening, families also had the opportunity to pick from assorted clothes, toys and school supplies that were donated from a group in the United States....


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