Day 130 - Healing Hands

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq

Soldiers of the 155th Brigade Combat Team, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) provided health care to more than 150 Iraqi adults and children during a six-hour Medical Civic Action Program Saturday in Najaf, Iraq.

Soldiers treated patients with a variety of conditions, including gunshot and shrapnel wounds, birth defects, asthma, skin irritations and arthritis.

Being able to treat any part of the local populace goes a long way toward strengthened relations between the local community and coalition forces, said Colonel J. C. Ottenbacher, a doctor in the U.S. Army Medical Corps.

"I am pleased with the care and supplies that the Soldiers were able to provide and the biggest contribution will come from future MEDCAP missions."

Many of the supplies were donated by U.S. organizations and medical agencies. Donations included vitamins, hygiene products, and wheelchairs.

(Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)