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FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq (January 17, 2008) -
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment,
conducted a tailgate health clinic in three areas within a brick
factory compound in Nahrwan on Jan. 15.
At the factory, 489th Civil Affairs Company, a reserve unit from
Knoxville, Tenn., along with medical personnel from Headquarters
Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, provided free exams
and medication to citizens who live or work in the compound.
Army Capt. Jarred Albright, commander of Troop B, 3rd Squadron,
1st Cavalry Regiment, said coalition Forces had not visited the
brick factory to assess their medical needs. When free health
clinics are held in Nahrwan, citizens of the brick factory rarely
attend, he said.
"We are getting a feel for the area so in the future we can
possibly hold one of our full-blown med-ops out here," Albright
said.
The soldiers spent about a half hour at each location in the
compound. Brick factory workers, men and women, lined up to be
searched before going in to see one of five medical personnel. Some
workers brought their children. All patients were covered in black
soot from the factory towers.
"Mostly we saw respiratory and skin problems," said Army Staff
Sgt. Willie Sigears, from Springfield, Ill., a medic in
Headquarters Battery. "We saw a lot of fungal diseases due to the
smoke from the factory."
Medics handed out an assortment of medication, primarily cough
syrup and hand cream.
Army Sgt. Michael Cowan, from Mont Eagle, Tenn., of the 489th
Civil Affairs Company, handed out toothbrushes and toothpaste.
"They don't have adequate health care in this area," Cowan said.
"Especially their dental care is sub-par. By giving them the basic
stuff, we are making a difference."
The 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, is assigned to
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort
Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom since March 2007.
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