From one hand to another
Story by Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt
JAZEERA, Iraq (August 3, 2008) – An
Iraqi boy stood with his shoulder against the wall inside the school he
attends each day, and although today school was not in session, his
view was filled with the smiling faces of his fellow Iraqi citizens.
The
community was gathered at the al Rashid School Aug. 3, for a Combined
Medical Engagement hosted by Iraqi doctors, Army and Police with the
assistance of Marines and sailors from Company C, Task Force 1st
Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and Company F, Task Force 2nd
Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, both from Regimental Combat Team 1.
The
joint operation provided the citizens with much needed medical service
and relief assistance, and served as a “getting to know the community”
event for Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, who recently arrived
to the area to take over for Task Force 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines.
“This
is a good charity for the families and children,” explained Dr. Mohamed
Taha Azzizz, an Iraqi doctor who provided medical care during the CME.
“There are people (here) who need help and can’t always drive to get
it.”
Cpl.
James Mohr, a squad leader with Company C, described Jazeera as a low
income rural community and said its citizens do not always have the
ability to buy necessities.
“They
seemed very perceptive to the fact that not only will we get the
insurgents, but we’re helping the community as well,” Mohr said.
The
Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police provided security for the operation, while
the Marines were on hand to provide over-watch and be of assistance if
needed.
Marines said the school’s size, security and number of rooms made it an ideal location to help the Iraqi people.
In
addition to providing security, the Iraqi Army and Police passed out
toys and games to children and set up a food collection point in the
school yard.
“Showing
the citizens that the (Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police) are (taking the
lead) will reinforce the citizens trust in the local Iraqi Security
Forces,” said Mohr.
“Seeing the smiles and how grateful the community was shows great progress,” added Azzizz.
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