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“Wheelchairs for Kids” 1-17 Delivers

Jul- 6-2006 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

Written by Staff Sgt. Brian Speach

MADUSH, Iraq (June 27, 2006) --Having a handicap child that is not able to walk is hard on any family even with the right equipment. Many families in Iraq do not even have wheelchairs for their children.

A man who was referred to by just Hamid brought his three children into the Primary Health Center Homadt in Badush, Iraq to receive wheelchairs from U.S. Forces.

Thanks to the efforts of Brad Blauser, a civilian employee with Logistical Services Incorporated on Forward Operating Base Diamondback, Mosul, Iraq children throughout Iraq are now getting much needed wheelchairs. The wheelchairs are being distributed with the help of Capt. Matthew Fargo, medical officer, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

“I am just the delivery person here. Blauser deserves the credit here,” said Fargo. “This is just amazing. I have brought medicine and bandages to various clinics, but this is a first for me. This will change there lives completely,”

Fargo had two pediatric wheelchairs that he gave to a family that has 32 children. Hamid has four children in need of wheelchairs. He was promised two more wheelchairs in the near future.

“We do with what we have. I can not thank the Americans enough for this,” said Hamid. “My children will be able to get around and do so many more things. It is a great day for us.”

Capt. David Best, convoy commander, 1st Bn., 17th Inf. Rgt., 172nd SBCT and his team provided security for the clinic during a medical screening and wheelchair delivery.

“I patrol this neighborhood regularly I know this family,” he said. “To see this child with a smile makes my job worth it all.”


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