Posted on 02/07/2007 6:33:22 PM PST by SandRat
Servicemembers and civilians here realize this, and spend their time helping and working with Iraqis at the Civil Military Operation Center. The center works closely with the Government of Iraq to help as many Iraqi citizens as possible.
The CMOC opens every day to local Iraqis. Most of them come for medical treatment, dental assistance or legal aid. Upon departure, visitors receive humanitarian assistance packages containing food, clothes, toys, hygiene products and school supplies.
“The CMOC is a link between the Iraqi and U.S. Governments,” said Sgt. 1st Class Juan Perez, CMOC noncommissioned officer in charge, 413th Civil Affairs Battalion.. “When they have a problem we cannot solve, we send them to the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Agriculture or whoever is best suited to help.”
Perez estimated 1,000 Iraqis visit monthly, adding its security measures enhance the clinic’s success.
“They know we are not here to hurt them,” Perez said. “We have guard towers all around, so they are protected and unafraid to walk around or play outside on the playground.”
Playing with children on the playground is one of Air Force 1st Lt. Christine Anouchian’s favorite activities. Anouchian, a foreign disclosure officer with 5th Air Force Intelligence Directorate, receives boxes of humanitarian assistance from Yokota Air Force Base in Japan, her home station.
“I like to be able to give to the children who will be shaping Iraq’s future and let them know we’re not here to do bad things,” Anouchian said.
“A lot of their media campaigns are against Americans, so this is one way of showing them we’re here to help,” Anouchian continued, referring to insurgent and anti-Iraqi forces’ efforts to discredit the legitimate Iraqi Government and those who help them.
Several Soldiers help at the clinic daily. In addition to Army doctors and legal assistants, the CMOC staff welcomes all who want to volunteer. Many servicemembers receive boxes from home and bring them to the clinic because they know the items are making a difference, Perez said.
Anouchian tries to help at the clinic at least once a month. She always invites fellow servicemembers, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to kids.
While kids are being helped, their parents are usually seeking treatment or advice. Perez described a man who showed up recently who could barely walk. Air Force doctors at the clinic performed an eight hour surgery on him. Afterwards, the tearful patient thanked Perez and the doctor with hugs.
“When we help a person who couldn’t find help for months, (the Iraqis) know we are really here to help them,” Perez said. “I feel proud of what we’re doing here.”
Anouchian said she wishes more people knew about the CMOC and encouraged people to contact her if they want to go. She also said the center is in special need of vitamins, lotions, shampoos and hygiene items.
“It is important for us to help them and leave with a positive impact,” she said.
“You can see the work we perform here to help the Iraqis get a better understanding of the Army,” Perez said. “We are here to help them.”
TO HELP, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL CORPS - IRAQ CHAPLAIN BY MAILING DONATED ITEMS TO:
MNC-I Chaplain
Attn: Hearts for Baghdad
Unit 42014
APO AE 09432
...excellent post! Public affairs is very important.
Anyone know what that might be? I'm former AF, and I haven't a clue.
Yes I do; if I told you I'd have to send ALL the Viking Kitties after you and tell them to use you as their perpetual scrathing post.
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