Posted on 07/14/2005 8:24:49 PM PDT by ajolympian2004
Latest from Iraq - from Melanie Morgan's website at KSFO
I spoke with Melanie this morning and she asked me to forward a few pictures of what we are doing here in Iraq. The 184 IN is part of the California National Guard and we are assigned to the 4 BCT (Brigade Combat Team) 3rd Infantry Division. We are currently stationed at FOB Falcon in the Southern part of Baghdad.
I realize that the media tends to focus solely on the IEDs the firefights etc because that is what sells. The reality is that for every contact we have with the enemy there are hundreds of contacts with locals that end in a more positive and less dramatic fashion.
The picture that is attached is of a little girl named Hara who was wounded when she was caught in the middle of an ambush. About a year ago the terrorists ambushed an American patrol here. During the firefight that followed the vehicle that Hara was in was trapped in between the opposing forces. Hara's sister was killed when terrorists fired into the vehicle. The small arms fire caught the vehicle on fire. Before she was able to get out Hara was severely burned over much of her body.
Hara was taken to local Iraqi doctors who simply bandaged her wounds and sent her home. Lacking proper treatment Hara's legs were fused together as the wounds began to heal on their own. Her mother took her again to see a local doctor who attempted to "fix her legs" the end result was that Hara went home with two broken legs.
Several weeks later local residents waved down a patrol from the 403 CA (Civil Affairs). CPT Morris the team leader began an effort that would eventually allow Hara to receive treatment at the American medical center inside the IZ.
Doctors at the CSH treated Hara's injuries for several months. During that time the brave little girl underwent numerous painful rehab sessions that eventually allowed her to begin to walk.
The photo is of the day Hara left the CSH to return to her home. The staff lined the halls of the hospital to bid farewell to this Iraqi child who had won their hearts with her courage. I watched as soldiers tenderly placed Hara inside of a Humvee to begin the dangerous trip home down Route Irish. As our convoy left RTE Irish for the Abu-Disher neighborhood where Hara lived children lined the streets to wave and to welcome Hara home. As I left I asked myself what the future held for Hara. Today we continue to make visits to Hara to check on her progress. Despite a fall that broke her hip Hara is determined to make it.
Hara truly represents the future of democratic Iraq. Like that fragile democracy she is small and has suffered much. If the democracy that is growing in Iraq proves as hearty and determined as Hara the future is indeed bright.
Respectfully,
1LT Murphy
Melanie ping!
Great report. Have you seen any other reports comming back from this group who went to Iraq?
It is at the top of the Latest Post page.
Tanks fer da help, Sync!!!
I notice Melanie ain'ta runnin round over there with no rag on her head!!! She gits a great big "Atta Boy, Girl" from me!!!
I met Melanie at a FR function in Fresno. She is terrific! It is great to see the good things going on in Iraq! God bless our wonderful troops!
Even Iraqi soldiers don't like the media
Thanks much for the links.
They don't like the MAIN STREAM Media. They love this group of Media, Melanie Morgan and crew.
What this is all about is getting the truth about the many positive changes and improvements in Iraq.
Move America Forward and this Truth Tour is well accepted by the Iraqi Soldiers.
My day started at 7:00 AM as I was going out on foot patrol with the Iraqi Army. Over the course of the day I went on 3 patrols and saw several trouble spots in the red zone.
Check out the thread hot linked above to see the rapport the Honest Media have with the Iraqi Army. A lot different then the MSM who are there to make out guys and the Iraqi Army look bad.
Yup, Melanie's Da Bomb!!!
I keep expectin ta hear her break into a chant of: "Can ya hear me now?!?"
Lovely story and great Pics, thanks!
She took Sacto by storm, didn't she?
Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my ‘miscellaneous’ ping list.
Yer badddd...LOL
Yeah, you know, like that Syncro feller? ;-)
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