To read the tribute to SFC Marcus Muralles, please click here
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Another Story from Iraq You Won't Hear About
It's become abundantly clear that the MSM won't cover any feel good stories from Iraq, so it's up to the bloggers. And I'm happy to oblige.
Today's story comes from Ali Base, where US and Iraqi air crews worked together to get an 8 year-old boy the heart surgery he desperately needs.
The US military has provided medical transport for civilian patients for decades (Scott AFB, near where I grew up, provided layover care for patients being transported cross-country for care.) I like the fact that they are extending that to the Iraqi and Afghani theaters of operation. Not that I ever doubted it, but some people need to be reminded (constantly) that we're not the bad guys.
Today's story comes from Ali Base, where US and Iraqi air crews worked together to get an 8 year-old boy the heart surgery he desperately needs.
Although 8-year-old Baher looks happy and healthy, Iraqi and U.S. Air Force C-130 crewmembers knew his true condition when they gave him the ride of his life Aug. 22.For more information about Operation Mend a Heart, check out the Tulane web site.
Baher and his mother, Afaf, were headed to New Orleans to repair a hole in his heart via a new program called Operation Mend a Heart. Airmen and Soldiers were glad to get the healing process underway.
“I was very happy to (be a part of the aircrew to) help him,” said Iraqi air force navigator Atiya from Squadron 23 (Transport). His full name is not used because of personal security. Atiya was one of the C-130 crewmembers who flew Baher from Baghdad International Airport to Basra Air Station on the first leg of his journey....
From Basra, Soldiers from Humanitarian Operation Center Army Civil Affairs were waiting to whisk the family to Kuwait to obtain the proper visas and paperwork they would need for their ultimate destination -- Tulane University and Hospital Clinic in New Orleans where Baher will receive surgery to correct his congenital heart defect.
The $100,000 surgery, which is donated by Tulane, was facilitated through Operation Mend a Heart -- a joint effort among Tulane, the U.S. military and coalition forces. More than 10 different U.S. and coalition military and civilian agencies are involved in the effort.
The US military has provided medical transport for civilian patients for decades (Scott AFB, near where I grew up, provided layover care for patients being transported cross-country for care.) I like the fact that they are extending that to the Iraqi and Afghani theaters of operation. Not that I ever doubted it, but some people need to be reminded (constantly) that we're not the bad guys.
