Wounded Iraqi Police Receive Wheelchairs

Defend America News ^ | Spc. Rodney Foliente

[SandRat]

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ricardo Arispe examines an X-ray showing a bullet lodged in the spine of an Iraqi police officer, who was one of the recipients at a ceremony presenting wheelchairs to wounded Iraqi police officers at the Baghdad Police Directorate headquarters, April 25, 2006. Arispe serves as deputy chief, public health team, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 448th Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to 4th Infantry Division. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rodney Foliente

Wounded Iraqi Police Receive Wheelchairs

U.S. soldiers distributed the wheelchairs, donated by a non-profit
organization based in Costa Mesa, Calif.

By U.S. Army Spc. Rodney Foliente
4th Infantry Division

BAGHDAD, May 8, 2006 — Iraqi police and Multinational Division–Baghdad soldiers presented wheelchairs to wounded Iraqi police officers during a ceremony at the Baghdad Police Directorate headquarters April 25.

The wheelchairs were donated by Free Wheelchair Mission, a non-profit organization based in Costa Mesa, Calif., to help support medical needs in Iraq.

Twenty wheelchairs were presented to the policemen. They are among a total of approximately 615 distributed to Iraqi Security Forces and civilians since 2005. The distribution was handled by the 448th Civil Affairs Battalion, which is attached to 4th Infantry Division, said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ricardo Arispe, deputy chief, public health team, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 448th Civil Affairs, who is a San Antonio native.

“This medical support gives me a lot of confidence and helps my work succeed.”

Nibras, an Iraqi police officer

The wheelchair distribution is an important project. The program works toward providing medical support for the people of Iraq, said Arispe, who, as a civilian, has worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for more than 18 years and recently extended his deployment for another year for the specific purpose of continuing the project.

“Resources (here) are extremely limited,” he explained, but he hopes the program will expand.

Sadam, a wounded police officer, said he received a bullet wound almost three months ago that broke his femur, which is currently secured together with a collection of metal rods jutting out of the side of his leg. The 25-year-old said he has hobbled on crutches for months – and might not be able to walk for another five months.

“The wheelchair will be helpful, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Sadam, through a translator.

Other police officers said the effort boosts morale and helps them see they will be taken care of in the event of an injury.

“This medical support gives me a lot of confidence and helps my work succeed,” said Nibras, an officer at the directorate, through a translator.

The nine-year police veteran said the Iraqi police serve their country and help the Iraqi people. He said he was happy to see that those injured in the line of duty were able to get assistance.

“It’s good that we get to help out the wounded Iraqi police and support them in any way we can,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Neil

An injured Iraqi police officer proudly sports his new mode of transportation after a ceremony in which wheelchairs were presented to wounded Iraqi police officers at the Baghdad Police Directorate headquarters April 25, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rodney Foliente

An injured Iraqi police officer gives a “thumbs up” to his co-workers after a ceremony in which wheelchairs were presented to wounded Iraqi police officers at the Baghdad Police Directorate headquarters, April 25, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rodney Foliente
	A child sits in the wheelchair he will help deliver to his recuperating father after a ceremony in which wheelchairs were presented to wounded Iraqi police officers at the Baghdad Police Directorate headquarters, April 25, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rodney Foliente

Dolder, convoy commander, 1st Battalion, 58th Field Artillery Regiment, an Oklahoma National Guard unit attached to Multinational Division–Baghdad’s 49th Military Police Brigade.

Dolder said he enjoys working with the Iraqi police, with whom he has established a good working relationship during the past five months by assisting with evaluation and training.

“We’re supporting them and doing what we can to help them,” said Arispe. The police are at the "tip of the spear in securing Iraq," and those injured fighting for their country “deserve to be taken care of.”

Arispe added that “people function better when they have the confidence that their leadership is concerned for their well-being,” and will consequently show more willingness to accomplish the mission.

To Americans, a wheelchair might not seem like a big deal, said Arispe, but for many in Iraq who cannot afford them, it makes a huge difference not having to depend on someone else to move around or get things done. He added that mental attitude is important to rehabilitation.

The rugged and lightweight wheelchairs can help boost the wounded Iraqi police officers' mental attitude and put less strain on family members, said Arispe.

“It will foster independence and make the quality of life much better. They can remain productive citizens. We’re giving them the chance to get back on their feet, so to speak,” said Arispe.

Free Wheelchair Mission, the Orange County, Calif. based non-profit organization started in 2001, has distributed more than 70,000 wheelchairs worldwide. The wheelchairs are shipped as a kit and put together on site. They are compact, lightweight and often referred to as a “lawn chair wheelchair” since the seat resembles a standard plastic lawn chair mounted on bicycle wheels.

[SandRat]

Strengthening the Bond with Iraqi Brothers wearing the Badge!

[MeekMom]

Thanks SandRat for the ping.
God bless every wounded soldier!!!

[E.G.C.]

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