Soldiers help mend girl’s heart

FOB KALSU, Iraq (Army News Service, May 4, 2006) – With the help of Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division, a 9-year-old Iraqi girl is on her way to receiving a medical procedure her parents only dreamed about.

Zenab Maan Fares, from the city of Hillah, has a serious heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot, which is a hole between the ventricles of the heart. Soldiers from 2nd BCT have helped coordinate her extensive surgery and post-surgery care.

The quest began when Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd BCT, conducted a reconnaissance of the children’s hospital in Hillah to assess the state of the hospital and find out what supplies were needed to keep the facility functioning properly.

Zenab’s father approached Sgt. 1st Class Sean Brack, a platoon sergeant in Troop A, 1-10 Cav., explaining his daughter condition and the difficulties he faced trying to find proper care for her.

Upon returning to Forward Operating Base Charlie, Brack relayed the information to Capt. Jon Bodenhamer, commander, Troop A, 1-10 Cav. Bodenhamer immediately began seeking help for the family, calling longtime friend and orthopedic surgeon, retired Lt. Col. Thomas Parr.

Meanwhile, Capt. Chris McNeil, 1-10 Cav. surgeon, began assessing Zenab’s condition, performing an ultrasound scan and making a precise diagnosis.

Parr and his wife, Joannie, began seeking a surgeon to perform Zenab’s surgery. They convinced Texas Children’s hospital in Houston to take the case.

“Capt. McNeil’s efforts allowed Texas Children’s hospital to make a good enough assessment of the girl’s condition and make a decision regarding the case,” Bodenhamer said.

The West Point Society of Greater Houston has made arrangements for the family’s travel. Members donated enough money to purchase commercial airline tickets to Houston from Kuwait for Zenab and her father.

The family is expected to be in Houston up to four months, depending on Zenab post-surgery progress. Mrs. Parr also arranged for translators and an Iraqi-American support group to be available during the Fares’ visit.

“Even though we are Soldiers, we are also citizens of the world. Something like this makes what we are doing here more meaningful,” Bodenhamer added. “It’s something that will change Zenab’s life and make us feel good for the rest of our lives.”

(Editor’s note: Cpl. Michael Molinaro writes for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office.)

To: 2LT Radix jr; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; 80 Square Miles; A Ruckus of Dogs; acad1228; AirForceMom; ..

Heart Healers.

2 posted on 05/04/2006 4:18:33 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)

Our military is the absolute best!!!

Would love to see a picture of the little angel...God's grace to her!

"citizens of the world"?? OK, then....

4 posted on 05/04/2006 4:34:21 PM PDT by griffin (Love Jesus, No Fear!)

Wish there was a photo but none were at the site.

5 posted on 05/04/2006 4:36:08 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)

For what it's worth, I'm a West Point grad here in Houston.

Tom and Joannie Parr are good friends of mine and, believe me...

...they are the real deal!!

6 posted on 05/04/2006 4:42:51 PM PDT by Airborne Longhorn

Then this story really struck home.

7 posted on 05/04/2006 4:43:54 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)

I keep asking myself "where do these wonderful people come from" - - our soldiers, sailors, marines, infantry, flyboys/girls are the greatest!

I'll be the first to say this - - you won't hear about this in the dinosaur media!

8 posted on 05/04/2006 4:47:32 PM PDT by duckbutt ( If you let a smile be your umbrella, then most likely your butt will get soaking wet.)

Yes, sir. Wish you could be here to share in our West Point Society of Houston experience.

Judging from your bio, you're a hell of a man...and you have a friend in Houston!

HOOOO-Aaaaahhh!!

9 posted on 05/04/2006 4:49:12 PM PDT by Airborne Longhorn

Thank You.

BTW: are you an Eagle Scout? How many of the West Point Society of Houston are Eagle Scouts? Lastly is the Eagle Charge being upheld by the Eagles? Are they actively involved as adult leaders in Scouting in Houston?

Sorry I had to ask.

10 posted on 05/04/2006 4:54:18 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)

Yes I am, as are a large number of West Pointers.

Not sure I can answer your question about local BSA involvement; sorry.

11 posted on 05/04/2006 4:59:32 PM PDT by Airborne Longhorn

Think back on your Eagle Charge.

I asked because many of our Younger Brothers in Iraq and Afghanistan are working to get Scouting going again there. Over 5K Afhan Scouts new and close to 2K Iraqi Scouts now.

12 posted on 05/04/2006 5:26:56 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)

SR, I didn't know that...

You're getting me motivated!

13 posted on 05/04/2006 5:28:50 PM PDT by Airborne Longhorn

Word is that the will be Afghan Scouts at World Jamboree in London next year and maybe just maybe Iraqi Scouts for the first time since Saddam came to power.

14 posted on 05/04/2006 5:31:27 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)

Good post. I posted several articles today from the Army News Service. I thought about doing this one also, but I didn't want you to think I was taking all the good articles for myself! I really like this story.

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