AL TARAQ, Iraq (Army News Service, Feb. 26, 2007) - Terrorists commonly use scare tactics to disrupt the everyday lives of others, but their tactics were unsuccessful during a recent medical operation.
Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, and the 210th Brigade Support Battalion - both of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division - conducted a medical operation at the Ahmed Suhel School here Feb. 22.
Although the school offered a comfortable atmosphere, terrorists tried to disrupt the day's activities with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.
But the medical operation continued, and residents received care without injury from the attacks.
"If we shut this down then the terrorist would win," said Capt. Shane Finn, commander of Company C, 4th Bn., 31st Inf. Rgmt. "All they are trying to do is stop the operation, and they are not going to do that."
Local residents sought care for everything from coughs to burns, and 75 people received treatment.
"I am very happy that the Americans have helped me," said Kaild Hamed, an Iraqi teen, as he watched Pfc. Chadwick Williams bandage his wound. "They do a good job and they are my friends."
Soldiers taking part in the mission understand the importance of medical operations.
"We live in Al Taraq and have a small aid station here," said Williams. "Every day there are people who come to our aid station requesting medical care, but since I am not a doctor I cannot do too much for them. It is good to have medical operations because there are doctors on-site to treat the Iraqis."
The unit is planning more medical operations in the area.
(Staff Sgt. Angela McKinzie writes for the 2nd Brigade combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Public Affairs.)
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