Virginia National Guard help Iraqi bedouins

BAGHDAD, Iraq (January 28, 2008) - At the end of December members of the 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, travelled to an Iraqi bedouin camp to conduct a medical capabilities operation.

The physician's assistant in charge was Capt. Jon Brillhart. Two female medics from the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, joined the CAV team for the mission to treat other females.

The 183rd MEDCAP team treated local Iraqi patients, seeing ailments ranging from sore throats to ulcers to joint injuries. The bedouin families were grateful for the help as they rarely have the means or opportunity to be get access to medical care.

The CAV Soldiers universally expressed satisfaction with the mission, several stating that "this was the kind of thing I came to Iraq to do."

Developing relationships and rapport with the local populace is an important part of the unit's mission in Southern Iraq, and they have focused a large share of their resources and efforts on civil military operations.

The Cavalry squadron is based out of Portsmouth, Va., and is commanded by Lt. Col. Walt Mercer. The infantry battalion is based out of Winchester, Va., and is commanded by Lt. Col. John Epperly. Both battalions are Virginia Army National Guard units that are part of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as The Stonewall Brigade. Both units are currently serving in Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.