A Little Taste of Iraq

Brandon sent me an email with this article, and I thought some of you would be interested in reading it as well.

"This was my guys. I dont know why the Medics got all the coverage... That is the way things go here. O well!!" -B

US Forces Assist IA Conduct Medical Screeningby Spc. L.C. Campbell138th MPADMOSUL, Iraq. Iraqi Army Soldiers, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, lead the way during a medical screening that took place in the Asad neighborhood in Mosul, Iraq Aug. 15.U.S. Forces have been preparing for a solid transition an area of responsibility to the IA. Part of the transition is getting the IA to interact with the local populace, and one good way of doing this is to conduct a medical screening.

Read the Entire Entry...�

A medical screening attracts people throughout neighborhoods and invites them to get some basic, but free medical attention. Coalition Force medics treat ailments such as the common cold, upper-respiratory illnesses, muscle aches, and minor infections in wounds.

From the beginning of the year there was little support from IA. IA medics were not interested in helping out during medical screenings, because of safety concerns. They did not want to leave the IA compounds. Early on, medical screenings were primarily provided by U.S. Forces.

After several months IA medics started becoming more involved during medical screenings.

According to 1st Lt. Brett Phillips, platoon leader, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, Brigade Medical Support Company, the IA medics get involved more and more with each screening. It is important that the local populace see that involvement, because it instills confidence in there security forces.

All IA medics go through a base combat life saver course which is taught by U.S. Forces. Most medics have gone through the basic nursing school and have advanced to a more intensive medical schooling. The IA medics have the knowledge base of a state-side physician's assistant.

The medical supplies that are administered during the screening are purchased from the local Iraqi economy, and are bought by U.S. Forces.�

Right now we are working with the IA logistical support to try to get them to purchase the medical supplies,� said Sgt 1st Class Namond Travis, medical platoon sergeant, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd SBCT, 2nd Infantry Division. �It is a slow road to travel, but the more we get the Iraqis involved the more independent they become. It allows the citizens to see the faces of the IA.�

According to the IA medics, they really enjoy helping the local populace. They are looking forward to a stable medical environment in Iraq. They wish that the citizens of Iraq would use and have more confidence in their medical system.

Medlock Sighting!

Part of the Medlock clan was spotted in Seattle this past weekend. Angela, Maria Elena, and Father Scott look great and are in high spirits. They shared with me the pictures from Matthew's accident and recovery, as well as the special time that they were able to spend with him out of the hospital before he left for Notre Dame.

I have been so touched by the tremendous faith and love that lead this family through an experience that can only be described as horrific! (I know that many of you share in this)

Good luck to Angela as she starts school at Gonzaga this week!!! And, safe travels to Maria Elena and Father Scott as they make their way to South Africa! And of course, have a great year Aaron and Matthew. All of you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Thank you to all of you that were at my Baby Shower both physically and in spirit! I had a wonderful time seeing all of you; unfortunately I didn't get pictures of everyone that was there, like I intended to.


All of the gifts are perfect, and better yet, they all made it back to WA safe and sound!!!

Thanks again to all of you. I guess I will be seeing you again after Joseph is born. BTW, sorry it took me so long to post this; my internet was down at home this week.

Squid in Seattle!

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I thought all of you Squid out there would appreciate knowing that your Blue Angels were in Seattle this past weekend! Melanie and I went to watch them perform at the SEAFAIR; GREAT SHOW!!

I talked to Brandon last Friday; yes, unfortunately I do not get to talk to him as often as I would like. He is still waiting for internet hook-up in his "office", and hopefully that will allow us to communicate more often. (right now we talk or email about once a week) :( Anyway, he is doing ok. One of the soldiers in 1st Platoon was injured during a combat operation last week. His injuries are not life threatening, but please keep him and his family in your prayers. Brandon and his platoon have been VERY busy running their own combat operations and running security for what they refer to as 'old town' Mosul.

I leave for Maryland tomorrow night and will be there through the weekend. I look forward to seeing whoever I can while I am there!!! Miss you all!