Well, our time has come to pack our bags and head back to the United States. We have all enjoyed our time here and really appreciate everyone's support. I hope you enjoyed reading our stories because we really enjoyed writing them. Semper Fidelis!
Story by Cpl. Ryan Turnage
CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – According to Department of Defense statistics, the average age of a male Marine Corps recruit is 19.1 years old, making the Marine Corps the youngest service as a whole, but there is the occasional “old man” among the ranks of the young.
Twenty-seven-year-old Cpl. Nathan Silos joined the Marine Corps a little later than most Marines, but never let his age affect his performance. He went to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in April 2006, where his age and maturity would give him the edge during training.
“I got a little more respect than the younger recruits, but I still got warn out by the drill instructors,” said Silos.
Silos spent his younger days doing extreme sports such as surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding. He loves a challenge and hardly ever backs down from one, according to Silos. At 24 years old, Silos found himself marching through the woods and swamps of MCRD Parris Island, during the third phase of boot camp. The crucible, a week-long field exercise filled with combat scenarios, was the final obstacle recruits have to overcome before finishing training. Silos’ ability to excel during challenges allowed him to succeed in training.
“I actually had a lot of fun during the crucible, even though we walked for several miles a day with heavy gear,” he said.
When Silos and his fellow recruits made it back from the strenuous field exercise, their transition from civilian to Marine was nearly complete. They had a week to prepare for final inspections and final drill, a marching event in which each platoon performs drill movements as a whole. The final event before claiming their title as a Marine is to receive the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
After graduation, Silos made his way to the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. He would be trained as an assaultman, an infantry Marine specialized in shoulder-fired rockets and explosives.
“I chose this job because it’s exciting and I will never have another chance to do something so unique,” he said.
Upon graduating SOI, Silos received orders to 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., but wouldn’t spend much time with them. Shortly after checking into his first unit, Silos was sent to 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, to deploy to eastern Al Anbar province in January 2007 until January 2008. For the first few months of the year-long stay, Silos was part of a security detail that accompanied all Regimental Combat Team 6 convoys. He was soon sent to Camp Habbaniyah to replace other Marines and work with the explosive ordnance disposal unit.
“I was part of a security detail for the EOD unit and was around explosions every day,” he recalled. “Thankfully, the vehicle I was in never got hit by an [improvised explosive device,] but we came awfully close.”
For several months, Silos and the “bomb squad” roamed the streets in search of explosives. On more than one occasion, he and his platoon were dangerously close to explosions. Silos started to suffer from minor memory loss and migraines as a side effect of being exposed to reoccurring explosions. Once their mission at Camp Habbaniyah was finished, Silos and the rest of the Marines headed to Camp Fallujah. There, Silos noticed many Marines with the same problems he had and they sought help from the unit’s corpsman.
“My entire platoon was medically evacuated from Iraq to Germany for the same reason. We had been around too many explosions, and it had slightly damaged our brains,” said Silos.
Silos received proper rehabilitation and recovered from his injuries. After his recovery was complete, he returned to his unit in Iraq before redeploying to Camp Lejeune. Once back in the United States, it wasn’t long before he was informed of another deployment the following year. He would once again deploy for a year to eastern Al Anbar province.
Currently deployed to Camp Ramadi, Iraq, with Headquarters Company, RCT-6, Silos is once again providing security. He mans an M240G medium machine gun in the turret of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle with the Personal Security Detail for the regimental commander.
“Cpl. Silos is one of our more experienced turret gunners for our convoys. His maturity level is well beyond his fellow corporals and it shows during our missions,” said Sgt. Juan Morales, PSD section leader.
Silos’ experiences from his previous deployment have played a significant role in PSD’s convoy safety. Even after eight months of less kinetic missions, he continues to stay alert in case of any unexpected attacks. His last deployment consisted of explosions and constant gun fire, but this year the missions are to escort key leaders through the combined area of operations as they pursue training and civil affairs efforts with the Iraqis.
For nearly a year, the drawdown of U.S. forces has been underway and the Iraqi Security Forces have taken control of security in eastern Al Anbar. Silos, along with the rest of Headquarters Company, RCT-6, can proudly say they supported crucial missions, like training Iraqi Security Forces and restoring essential services to the populace, by providing security for movements of key personnel.
“This deployment with RCT-6 compared to the last one is completely different. Now we are working more with the Iraqi Security Forces as they take operational control,” said Silos.
Silos recently reenlisted for four more years in the Marine Corps and has orders to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. From there he hopes to deploy to Afghanistan and contribute as much wisdom and professionalism as he did during his two tours in Iraq.
Story by Cpl. Ryan Turnage
CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – A gladiator is defined as a man trained to fight another man in an arena for public entertainment. For Cpl. Matthew Moloch, this is the true test of a man.
Moloch began wrestling in middle school and carried his talent over to high school. Like the Roman gladiators of the past, Moloch was putting himself through the ultimate test of man versus man. With his passion for physical challenges and his “never quit” attitude, Moloch was unknowingly on his way to becoming a United States Marine.
As physical as wrestling could be, Moloch needed more. During a routine visit to a local gym he ran into a friend who trained in mixed martial arts. Moloch was interested in the new idea and began training for his own fights. When he was of legal age, he entered his first amateur fight and was immediately obsessed with the sport. He felt it was his calling and he devoted his time to becoming a better fighter.
“My first fight was an adrenaline rush and made me feel like an actual gladiator,” he said.
After high school, he attended Purdue University as a Criminal Justice major for two semesters, but quickly found himself second guessing his career path.
“I could never decide what I wanted to do in life, so I finished the year and pursued my dream of being in the military by joining the Marine Corps,” said Moloch.
Being a Marine not only fulfills Moloch’s dream and gives him a sense of purpose, it allows him to push his body to the new physical and mental limits needed to be a successful fighter. He arrived to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Aug. 27, 2008, and knew it would be the greatest test of mind and body.
“A good fighter is determined by how much effort he single-handedly puts into his training,” he said. “As hard as I trained for [mixed martial arts,] I still found myself exhausted during [recruit training].”
Upon graduating recruit training, Moloch had joined the ranks of many other warriors, Marines. His childhood dream of being in the military had come true. Soon after earning his eagle, globe and anchor, he married his high school sweetheart July 4, 2008.
“Becoming a Marine was the second proudest moment of my life, next to marrying my wife,” said Moloch.
Through Marine Corps physical training and hours of sweating in the gym, he was ready for another fight. Before he had the opportunity to face another opponent, his country needed his services. He is currently deployed to Camp Ramadi, Iraq, with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 6, as the supply property noncommissioned officer.
With the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces underway, and the Iraqi Security Forces taking control throughout Al Anbar province, Moloch worked numerous hours to return equipment back to the United States that has been in theater for nearly six years. Due to his endless dedication to duty and constant efforts to seek self-improvement, he was meritoriously promoted to corporal March 2, 2009.
“I have had the privilege of working day to day with Cpl. Moloch since before the deployment,” said Capt. Raymond Gileta, the assistant supply officer for Headquarters Company, RCT-6. “As a lance corporal he showed the willingness to lead and continued to do so throughout the deployment as a noncommissioned officer.”
Nearing the end of RCT-6’s deployment, Moloch is seeking another opportunity to face another opponent. Although Moloch is unsure if he will reenlist for another four years, he says no matter what he decides, he will continue to train in mixed martial arts. Moloch went on to say he will always cherish his experience as a Marine, a true modern-day gladiator.
Story and photos by Cpl. Ryan Turnage
CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – Unselfishness is one of many leadership traits that help make an effective leader. It is a trait that comes with experience and knowing what is best for your fellow Marines rather than yourself.
Cpl. Melvin D. Irving, Jr., 23, the Regimental Judge Advocate clerk with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 6, had unknowingly displayed this trait well before he joined the Marine Corps.
As the starting varsity quarterback and starting varsity shooting guard for Lubbock Estacado High School in Lubbock, Tex., Irving has been leading his peers through championships and motivating them during losing streaks. He graduated as an honor-roll student with hopes to play college basketball at West Texas A & M University College of Education and Social Sciences.
Despite his love and passion for football, Irving turned down a football-scholarship to Arkansas Pine Bluff, because of the distance from family.
“I didn’t want to play basketball, my heart was with football, but West Texas was closer so I chose basketball,” said Irving.
Shortly into his first year at West Texas A & M, he found it hard to stay motivated through school and suddenly lost the desire to continue attending. A few bad decisions and his “golden opportunity” was gone.
“I was young and didn’t want to go to class. Without school there wouldn’t be basketball, and without basketball there wouldn’t be school. Unfortunately at that time in my life I wasn’t focused on school and I chose another path,” said Irving.
While searching for a new path in life, Irving worked job-to-job and realized he wasn’t getting anywhere. After two years of “job-hopping,” he sought help from a Marine Corps recruiter.
“The Marines could offer me a purpose in life and could set me up for success,” he said.
Irving always knew he would live a positive life, he added. His parents would be proud of anything he did as long as it was positive.
“I always say if I find myself doing something negative in life, then I have to counter it with something positive,” he continued. “I took a look at my life after college and realized it was time for that positive change.”
As a brother of eight siblings, Irving left his family to become a Marine. He arrived at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., July 31, 2006. For the first month he was the guide, the recruit leader of his platoon. As the guide he was once again the leader of his peers and felt it was meant to be.
“I’ve always been a leader, never a follower,” said Irving.
He found out the hard way that to become an excellent leader, one must become a better follower. When he was fired from guide, he realized he needed to change his leadership style and contribute more as a team player.
“When I was fired from guide, it really affected me. I wanted to be the leader, but I knew I wasn’t getting the job done in the best manner possible, so they chose someone else,” he said.
Although Irving had played sports since he was 5 years old, he still lacked the physical conditioning of a Marine. He arrived to recruit training weighing 210 pounds and lost 50 pounds in the 13 weeks of what he explained as “the most overwhelming experience of his life.” Although he never regained the position of guide, he accomplished the one thing he had set out to do, become a Marine.
His friends couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw him in the distinct dress blue uniform, he said.
“My friends thought I was just kidding when I told them about the Marines, but when they saw me after recruit training, they were nothing less than proud,” said Irving.
After graduating recruit training, Irving was informed that his original military occupation specialty was no longer available. He was told he would become a legal specialist, handling the paperwork for Marine Corps investigations, trials, immigration, as well as Powers of Attorney, just to name a few.
“When they told me my job wasn’t available anymore, I was upset, but once I made it to the school for legal specialists, my eyes were opened,” said Irving.
The Texan made his way to the Naval Justice School in Newport, R.I., where his outlook on the Marine Corps would change forever.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect after [recruit training], but when I got to Rhode Island it was a whole new world,” he said.
He was introduced to a new trade he never would have thought of without the Marine Corps. Irving went on to say that working as a legal specialist was the best job for him as well as something he can take with him whenever he decides to leave the Marine Corps. He is currently finishing the Marine Corps Apprenticeship Program, which will certify him as an official journeyman, meaning he is well rounded in all legal aspects.
During the few months in Rhode Island, Irving contacted his best friend, Stefferon McNeal, who motivated him through all of his roughest days. His friend was playing basketball for the University of Texas at Arlington and they were to meet back home for Christmas. Unfortunately, they would never get the chance to see each other again. In December 2007, Stefferon was shot and killed.
“My brother called me and said my friend was dead and of course I didn’t want to believe him. I just kept calling my friend’s cell phone, but he never picked up,” recalled Irving.
Irving dedicated his Marine Corps career and the rest of his life to his friend and family. He says he must succeed for not only himself but his loved ones as well.
“Stefferon always told me I could do whatever I wanted as long as my heart was in it,” said Irving. “So now, I do everything with him in my heart.”
Irving is currently deployed to Camp Ramadi, Iraq and is always looking for ways to improve his leadership skills, he says. RCT-6 recently conducted a corporal’s course for all the young corporals on Camp Ramadi and its surrounding bases. Irving eagerly volunteered for the course and upon graduation received the Leadership Award.
“The recipient of the Leadership Award is decided by the peers of the course,” said Irving. “I was extremely proud to have been chosen by my fellow Marines.”
Even though Irving isn’t directly in charge of any Marines, he shows the confidence to successfully lead, according to Lt. Col. Eric Kleis, the regimental judge advocate for RCT-6.
“Cpl. Irving has turned into a great ‘all-around Marine,’ rather than just a good legal clerk,” said Kleis. “He has noticeably excelled during this deployment upon being promoted to corporal.”
Irving is currently the only enlisted Marine in his office and looks at his officers-in-charge as mentors.
“I really got to know Cpl. Irving as an individual as well as a Marine. I’m impressed with his ability to overcome adversity prior to the Marine Corps and embrace the values he has been taught,” said Capt. Neill Wente, the deputy regimental judge advocate for RCT-6.
The unselfish leader is planning to reenlist for another four years and finish his bachelor’s degree. He is going to pursue his dreams of becoming a drill instructor in order to change people’s lives just as his life was changed when he stepped onto the infamous yellow footprints for recruit training.
Story by Sgt. Dorian Gardner
These missions were made possible by the in-depth coordination between Iraqi Police, Provincial Security Forces, Iraqi army, local contractors and several elements of Regimental Combat Team 6, according to 1st Lt. John D. Adamo, an intelligence officer with RCT-6. Cooperating groups aimed to improve the existing relationship between Provincial Security Forces and the citizens by providing aid and supplies in the areas of al Jazeerah and Saqlawiyah.
The first operation took place in Saqlawiyah, a rural area located eight kilometers northwest of Fallujah, Iraq. While on site, Provincial Security Forces set up a perimeter and allowed Iraqi police officers and Marines to work within the confines of the Saqlawiyah clinic. While inside, Marines helped paint walls and fill in bullet holes, as well as mix concrete to fill in potholes in the clinic’s front walkway.
“Not only was this mission to carry out the projects, but to partner with the Iraqi Security Forces and support them in improving their relations with the people of Iraq,” said 1st Lt. Abby Maxwell, 3rd Detachment Civil Affairs Group, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, RCT-6.
Once in the clinic, Iraqi contractors and Marines didn’t take long to complete tasks set for them.
“We asked for help from the Marines, and they responded quickly,” said Dr. Omar Mahmood, head doctor of Saqlawiyah Clinic. “They gave us everything we needed to reconstruct our clinic.”
During a separate mission, 1st Lt. Alexander A. Usztics, RCT-6 Headquarters Company executive officer, led a team of Marines in Ramadi, Iraq, to assist Iraqi contractors in the repairs of Al Taqwah School.
“Our mission was to perform cosmetic and functional repairs of the Al Taqwah School in Ramadi, as well as increase the popular support of the Iraqi populace toward Iraqi Security Forces,” said Usztics.
Once Iraqis and Marines arrived, a clean-up of the entire school was carried out. After the trash was removed, Iraqis and Marines began planting shrubs around the school. Days prior, an Iraqi contractor was at the school laying down tile, placing planting soil and power washing the exterior. The work carried out before the arrival of the Marines minimized the tasks once on scene, according to Usztics.
Though the primary purpose of these missions was to ensure the completion of tasks given to contractors throughout the province, Iraqi police and Marines made sure to leave the local population with parting gifts. Marines assisted Provincial Security Forces as they handed out generosity bags to the children and adults on site.
“Each bag contained rice, sugar, lentils, chai -tea, soap, a blanket, soccer balls, backpacks and school supplies,” said Maxwell.
These missions were two of six scheduled operations that took place over a weeklong period. Adamo went on to say that during this continuing responsible drawdown of U.S. forces, the Iraqi people will depend more on ISF to provide security and stability.
Operations led by Iraqis reinforce the independence and professionalism of the ISF and their ability to support the people.
“When the people see [Marines] working with the Iraqis and ISF in the lead, it gives people faith in the PSF and IPs,” said Maxwell.
Other operations were conducted throughout the week in schools scattered throughout Saqlawiyah and al Jazeerah, each involving construction and the distribution of hundreds of generosity bags.
Story by Cpl. Ryan Turnage
CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – United States Army National Guard soldiers of Headquarters Company, 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, out of Washington state, said farewell to Camp Ramadi, Iraq, after a ceremonial transfer of authority to Regimental Combat Team 6, July 13, 2009.
Through a windy haze of Ramadi sand, Col. Matthew A. Lopez, commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 6, took command of Iraqi-owned Camp Ramadi from U.S. Army Col. Ronald Kapral, commanding officer of 81st HBCT after they retired their colors.
The soldiers of the 81st HBCT occupied and maintained the camp for nearly nine months, working hand-in-hand with Marines and sailors to support the Iraqi Security Forces. While the two combat teams co-inhabited Camp Ramadi, they conducted joint operations in an attempt to establish a more stable environment throughout eastern Al Anbar province.
“I could not have asked for a better relationship between the 81st and RCT-6,” said Lopez.
As U.S. forces continued the responsible drawdown, 81st HBCT, along with RCT-6, remained focused on providing support for civil-military operations, such as organizing and funding the rehabilitation of water treatment facilities and aiding Iraqi contractors in the reconstruction of schools.
The 81st HBCT was also witness to a significant drop in violence while in command.
“This past week, we have seen the lowest level of violence in eastern Al Anbar province,” said Maj. Gen. R. T. Tryon, commanding general of Multi National Force – West Iraq. “The 81st HBCT played a big part in the increased security throughout this area.”
Each soldier performs different professions as a civilian and enjoys everyday comforts of home, but when called to duty they didn’t complain or question, said Kapral. Although the 81st HBCT will be departing Iraq shortly, their hard work and dedication to duty has left RCT-6 with the proper tools to complete the ongoing effort to further professionalize Iraq’s security forces.
Story by Sgt. Dorian Gardner
Affectionately known as “Operation Jackhammer,” the mission focused on ridding residential areas in and around Ramadi of the security paraphernalia that was once a necessity during more dangerous times in Iraq’s Al Anbar province. The removal of blast barriers and concertina wire not only helps remove the most visible face of war from communities, it simultaneously allows Coalition Forces to improve force protection at Iraqi Security Force outposts.
Following in the footsteps of previous units that began this process, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines is seeing this operation through to the finish.
Marines drove through Ramadi to the outlying suburbs where they dismounted at Outpost 293, an old Coalition position. Traveling with flat-bed trucks and fork-lifts, the Marines quickly began gathering all barriers on sight.
“We are cleaning up the old signs of war, and trying to restore some semblance of normality,” said Capt. Mike Vanderweide, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine’s engineer platoon commander.
While this mission took place within proximity of Ramadi, Coalition Forces are working to demilitarize other cities throughout Al Anbar, to include Fallujah and Karmah.
Anticipating an end of Operation Jackhammer before July, Marines are racing against the clock to remove all barriers and help restore a sense of normalcy within Anbar’s cities.
Story by Cpl. Ryan Turnage
CAMP RAMADI, Iraq –Residents of Karmah, Iraq, a once war-torn city in eastern Al Anbar province, and surrounding areas lack clean drinking water. During a meeting held aboard Camp Ali, Iraq, May 31, 2009, Iraqi and Coalition leaders discussed how to rehabilitate the area’s water treatment plants in order to serve a population of nearly 100,000 civilians.
With the help of the Fallujah embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team; the Sheik council, a group of local tribal leaders; the Director-General of Water Salwa Hady, and engineers Jamal Qassim and Ahmed Eaden, Karmah will soon have a source of clean water, much like that of American suburban areas.
Ideas to reconstruct and build new water treatment plants throughout Karmah were brought to the attention of the Fallujah ePRT by the Iraqi engineers.
“We appreciate the attention being paid to the concern for the people of Karmah,” said Sheik Lawrence, a prominent sheikh from Karmah.
“This is my fourth time in Iraq and I have never seen such teamwork among the ePRT, Coalition Forces, the Sheik council, and the Iraqi government,” said Col. Matthew A. Lopez, commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 6.
They plan to construct seven new larger water treatment plants, which will replace the need for 23 smaller plants that are practically rundown, according to Scott Albert of the Fallujah ePRT. It will also provide new job opportunities, such as construction and maintenance crews, as well as employees to maintain the water treatment plants, he added.
“The engineers came to me with a list of areas that are in dire need of water,” said Albert.
The Sheik council agreed to improve areas based on need, rather than helping just their local areas. Not only will the larger water treatment plants be constructed, but plans to improve the distribution pipelines will also be vastly improved.
“Many of the pipes are above ground and have been tapped into by those in need of water or by insurgents,” said Engineer Kasim.
There are 27 planned projects that will begin immediately after approval. In the near future, distribution pipelines made of rusty iron above ground will be replaced by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes underground.
“This will reduce polluted water and keep people from tampering with the pipes,” said Maj. Ashley Burch, commander of Civil Affairs Detachment 3, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment.
Burch went on to say Karmah has been underdeveloped due to its history of insurgent activity. In the past, civil affairs teams could only carry out smaller short-term project that could be completed in a combat environment. Now that the fighting in Al Anbar province is less kinetic, they can focus their efforts on the true needs of the people, he said.
Every organization involved believes these new facilities, if maintained, will have a long-lasting effect on the population of Karmah. People will no longer need to
For more information on the ongoing mission in Iraq’s Al Anbar province, visit www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/iimeffwd.
Story and photos by Sgt. Dorian Gardner
KARMAH, Iraq – As children stood peering over short walls and massing in front of Al Khaloud School in Karmah, Iraq, Marines dismounted their vehicles and unloaded 68 sets of Arabic books to provide the children with a new Arabic library, May 24, 2009.
Designed to inspire an appreciation for literature in Iraqi society, Scholastic’s “My Arabic Library” is a reading program that focuses on students at the elementary level. The library includes classroom sets of reading material for the students as well as training materials for instructors. This program supports many schools across the Al Anbar province and approximately 4,000 schools throughout Iraq.
Recently, the Anbar Provincial Reconstruction Team arranged to supply major cities in the province, to include Karmah and Fallujah, with these libraries. After receiving the shipment, Marines loaded their vehicles and hit the road.
After a short convoy to the school, Marines parked two flat-bed 7-ton trucks before others dismounted and removed securing straps that held down the books during their transit from Camp Baharia. This program has worked closely with the Anbar PRT in an effort to better equip Iraqi school teachers with the tools needed to teach the children of Iraq.
“We ordered as many as we could take for the province because we knew it was a good thing,” said Leslie Sabbagh, Public Diplomacy Officer, embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team. “We ordered 240 sets, ranging from 145 to 200 books per set, and distributed them throughout the Iraqi Province.”
Sabbagh went on to say that there is a need for books in Iraq. With a multitude of rebuilding projects taking place throughout the country, school books are not a top priority. These books meet that need.
“It’s been a long time since anyone turned their time toward Karmah education,” said Sabbagh. “Sometimes it comes down to what you can give them. Right now, we can give them books.”
Sabbagh accompanied Capt. Jordan Barnett, the information operations officer for 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6, and a small security team of Marines into the Karmah district to deliver these books.
“These books help a lot,” said Lance Cpl. George Walker, Combined Anti-Armor Team White, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, RCT-6. “Because of our help, they are now able to support themselves.”
As Marines began to unload boxes, children rushed to help them carry the books into the school yard. As the day drew on, the pile of books grew larger and larger as Marines carried the last of the books to the school yard.
Though this mission went as planned, it could not have happened without the aid of the Iraqi government, said Sabbagh.
“The government supported and appreciated the initiative,” said Sabbagh. “It couldn’t have happened if the government didn’t want us to do it.”
The following day, Barnett and his security team went into Fallujah and Saqlawiyah to deliver the remaining books to education supervisors. Considered an overall success, the children’s new Arabic library is one of many developments Iraqi children have to look forward to.
For more information on the ongoing mission in Iraq’s Al Anbar province, visit www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/iimeffwd.
Story and photos by Sgt. Dorian Gardner
KARMAH, Iraq – Iraqi children face many hardships growing up in a country that has seen its share of hard times and strife. With a national medical system trying desperately to meet the needs of its citizens, sometimes outside agencies step in to provide a helping hand.
Such was the case recently when a cooperative effort between Iraqi social workers, charities and the U.S. military brought a ray of hope for a better future to handicapped Iraqi children.
Recently, aboard Camp Baharia, Iraq, a small group of children waited in a small wooden room while next door, contractors put the finishing touches on a collection of orthopedic wheelchairs destined for the children’s’ use.
Since 2005, the non-profit Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids has been working to provide orthopedic wheelchairs to Iraqi kids in need. With an orthopedic wheelchair’s normal retail price nearing $3,000, many families cannot afford to purchase this important commodity for their children.
Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids depends solely on donations to operate, and although the organization is non-profit, it does have its benefits, said Brad Blauser, founder of the organization.
“They [the Iraqi people] see a kid get a wheelchair, and it has a multiplying effect of winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people, as well as helping the kids,” said Blauser. “Ninety-five percent of these kids have birth defects. They don’t get the health care here that kids in the [United States] receive.”
Because of its design, kids are able to continue utilizing the adjustable wheelchairs as they grow. With a light, sturdy frame and narrow base, the wheelchairs are easy to navigate around traditionally small Iraqi houses and rugged enough to handle rock-strewn dirty roads as easy as paved roadways. Many of the components on the chair are adjustable, to include the foot rest, the chair backing, seat, head rest and vertical stabilizers.
Blauser and his team have given away more than 600 wheelchairs since their program commenced four years ago. Teaming up with social workers in Fallujah, Blauser was able to find a few more candidates who could use a new wheelchair.
Huda Hatim Muhna, a social worker in Fallujah, worked alongside Blauser and Capt. Jordan R. Barnett Barnett, information operations officer for the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6, to ensure a new fleet of wheelchairs found a home.
“All I did was tell her we had some wheelchairs,” said Barnett. “We made it available to them and they made it happen.”
“I am very happy with what the Marines did for us,” said Muhna. “The Marines have offered us another way to help these families.”
Working with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, as well as 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, to help children in the eastern Al Anbar province, Muhna and Blauser have been able to help local Iraqi families find a way to allow their children to enjoy life on the go.
Blauser also has a small group working in Basra, a city located in southern Iraq near the borders of Iran and Kuwait, and also works with an orphanage in Baghdad.
As more and more wheelchairs are needed, Blauser is hoping that one day, enough money will come in so that he may place a mass order at a factory in Iraq. With that, they could provide jobs for local residents and a much quicker turn-around time from ordering to manufacturing and delivering, said Blauser.
As he continues to collect donations and make his stops throughout Iraq, Blauser and his team work hard to ensure that the kids of Iraq may live a life outside the walls of their homes. Whether their difficulties stemmed from a disease such as cerebral palsy, spina bifeda, or the result of an insurgent attack, handicapped children in Iraq have a brighter future due to charitable organizations, Coalition forces and the Iraqi social service system.
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