Capt. Larry Robinson, surgeon for the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and a native of Sandusky, Ohio, holds a small Iraqi baby girl sucking on a lollipop during a Combined Medical Engagement in Tursak, Iraq, Nov. 8. "Seeing those kids is great," said Robinson. "I hope we are winning their hearts and minds. This is where it counts -- with the kids." (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 10, 2006
SR# 111006-08
By Spc. Ryan Stroud
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
BALAD RUZ, Iraq (Nov. 8, 2006) -- It was a cold Iraqi morning as the Soldiers from the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division loaded their Humvees and rolled-out for a Combined Medical Engagement mission with members of the Iraqi Army, Nov. 8.
The CME provided citizens of Tursak, Iraq, the opportunity to receive medical care for illnesses or injuries that otherwise would not have been tended to. With the Iraqi Army surgeon in the lead, Capt. Larry Robinson, the 5-73 surgeon, was there to provide extra assistance when needed.
"The CME was a chance for us to go out to a village to help the people out with some of their illnesses, and also to give credibility to the Iraqi Army and their medical personnel," said Robinson, a native of Sandusky, Ohio.
As Iraq continues to build upon its democracy, it is important for the people of Iraq to know their army is there for them, not only for security, but for stability and peace-keeping missions, too, said Robinson and the 5-73 medical platoon leader, 1st Lt. Braden Hestermann.
"These missions are important because it lets the people of Iraq know their Army does care about them and wants to help them," Robinson said.
"I think a lot of the Iraqi population knows the Coalition Forces are here to help, but many of them are weary about their own army," said Hestermann, a native of Omaha, Neb. "The more we can get the Iraqi Army out there in a positive light, the more confidence the Iraqi people will have in their forces. “
As the Soldiers arrived in the designated village, the 5-73 Soldiers quickly began to provide security since they did not know how the village would react to their presence. Meanwhile, the Iraqi medical staff and 5-73 medical personnel began to set up for their evaluations.
The sheik in the village provided his house as a location for the medics to set up their table and begin screenings, Robison said.
After setting up the table, medicine and vitamins were brought out and the evaluations began.
"We let the Iraqi doctor and his medics screen all the patients that came in,” added Hestermann. "We helped out when they needed our help, but the goal was for them to lead the mission and be in charge.”
The Iraqi doctor and his staff worked with the villagers while Robinson gave a helping hand when it was needed, looking at illnesses and injuries the medics needed a second opinion about.
The doctors and medics treated everyone who came in, from adults to children -- some villagers needing cold medicine, others needing just vitamins to maintain their health.
"I love [these missions]," said Robinson. "This is why I got into medicine, to help people out.”
“It's nice to get to help people who don’t have many medical resources. These missions are right up my ally,” he added.
"The best part of these missions is knowing you have made a tangible difference and its something you know is making a difference right now," added Hestermann.
"Every little bit helps," he continued. "Anything we can do to help build confidence in the eyes of the people towards their army will help this country."
After everyone had been treated, the units packed up and headed back to camp, knowing they had made a difference in the lives of the villagers.
"Knowing that you went out on a mission and you made a difference today," said Hestermann, "that’s what we all want to do and it feels great."
Both Robinson and Hestermann said one of the best parts of their missions is interacting with the children of the villages.
"Seeing those kids is great," Robinson said. "I hope we are winning their hearts and minds. This is where it counts -- with the kids."
"Kids remember a lot more than we give them credit for," Hestermann said. "They will remember that when they were young, Soldiers came and gave them school supplies, soccer balls and medical [attention]. It will make a lasting impression."
"But the best part is when you're going through a village in a convoy, kids come running up smiling, waving and giving us the thumbs up," he continued. "These kids will remember our efforts and it will make a difference."
While showing the Iraqi doctor his equipment, Capt. Larry Robinson, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and a native of Sandusky, Ohio, prepares to give a medical examination to a young Iraqi child during the Combined Medical Engagement in Tursak, Iraq, Nov. 8. The CME was a mission conducted by both American and Iraqi Forces. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)
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