What a Difference a Year Makes

Multi National Force Iraq ^ | Aug 2, 2005 | Col. John Ottenbacher

[robowombat]

What a Difference a Year Makes

By Col. John Ottenbacher

Baghdad , Iraq - From a bloody battlefield and one of the most dangerous places in Iraq to a safe, prosperous and growing community of over one-half million, the Najaf Teaching Hospital reflects the changes of the city of Najaf .

One year ago on August 27 the battle for Najaf ended.

A year ago the Najaf Teaching Hospital was closed. It had been looted and its medical equipment destroyed by the Sadr Militia who had used its eight floors as a military fortress. Its basement flooded, windows and walls riddled with bullet and mortar damage, to many in Najaf, the hospital looked hopeless.

Now the hospital is open, seeing hundreds of patients per day and housing 80 in-patients. It is a training hospital for 200 medical students, 50 pharmacy students, and 100 resident doctors who are looking forward to improved and expanded services.

This is a true success story brought about by a close partnership of Iraqi doctors and a U.S. team of doctors, engineers, project managers, contractors, and Soldiers and U.S Army Corps of Engineers civilians. When finished, the hospital will house a new magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) scanner, have computed tomography ( CT) scan services, and have increased specialty surgical services including its first open heart surgical team.

The hospital will employ 1,250 people, in an area where good jobs are hard to come by.

There are many success stories in Najaf. A local television station teaming with local business and with coalition equipment support reported all the news including stories of U.S.-aided construction projects and humanitarian support. A local art show, the first in many years, might have a display showcased in Kansas City . A new clinic for a sheikh, a man imprisoned and tortured under Saddam, is a reality. This clinic was donated and refurbished by the Soldiers and contractors at Base Hotel, the base adjacent to Najaf.

Multiple humanitarian missions give food and medical care to the poorest of Najaf. There are daily working relationships with the Najaf government, police, and Iraqi army. Many U.S. funded projects for new schools, water projects, police and fire stations, have all contributed to an excellent working relationship and many friendships between U.S. Soldiers, civilians, and Iraqi people. All this and more have contributed to the success of Najaf.

Over 100 boxes of medical books, microscopes, and endoscopes have been sent from medical schools and hospitals all over the U.S. to Najaf. Churches have donated boxes of food, soap, clothes, and toys. The Mississippi Family Support Group has raised thousands of dollars to sponsor children needing heart surgeries and medical care in Baghdad .

As the camp surgeon, I was blessed by a working relationship with Dr. Safaa the director of the Najaf Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ferris the Najaf Minister of Health, and Governor Gelal, a patient of mine, and the Governor of Najaf Province. I also enjoyed knowing Col. Majab, the local army commander; and his father, both patients of mine. I could get things done in hours that would otherwise take weeks. Also my State Senator John Thune provided great support to me and the hospital.

I honestly believe that Najaf is the key. If successful all of Iraq has a chance.

[Mister_Diddy_Wa_Diddy]

It is the compassionate work of our boys and girls in uniform there that is changing the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people, as demonstrated by this article.

Job well done boys and girls. We are proud of you.

[ExcursionGuy84]

And Thank-You Dear Father for What You Have placed in the Hearts & Minds of Our Troops & Contractors leading the way over there.