V CORPS 'IRON SOLDIERS' TURN BAGHDAD BREAK-IN INTO COMMUNITY OUTREACH
V Corps Release
Release Date: 7/30/2003
By Spc. Chad D. Wilkerson 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- On the west side of the Baghdad International Airport July 26, two soldiers from V Corps's Company B, 47th Forward Support Battalion soldiers were guarding the wall surrounding their compound.
Pvt. Precious Martinez, a tracked vehicle mechanic, and Sgt. David Link, a tank turret mechanic, saw three Iraqis scaling the wall and entering the compound. Instead of firing at the intruders, they assessed the situation and radioed their tactical operations center for assistance.
"They were doing their job and were alert enough to realize people were jumping the wall," said Lt. Col. Paul Hurley, the 47th FSB commander, "but they also showed great judgment, and did not use lethal force."
As a quick reaction force assembled, 47th FSB Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Tobin was making his rounds, checking on his soldiers. Spotting the Iraqis, he rushed at them. Two managed to scramble back over the wall, but Tobin detained one man.
"I was concerned for the safety of the soldiers," said Tobin. "I didn't know if these men had weapons."
The detained man was zip-tied, searched and questioned by an interpreter. When asked why he had entered the compound, he replied that he just wanted some material to build shade for his goats.
"It was an issue that they needed so much and had so little," said Hurley. "They were willing to risk their lives for sheet metal."
After further questioning, battalion officials became aware of the desperate situation - lack of water, clothing and medical aid - of the Iraqis living outside the wall. The "Iron" 1st Armored Division soldiers decided to take action.
"It was a great opportunity to turn this situation around and make something positive out of it," said Hurley.
The soldiers released the detained man and began formulating a plan to meet some of the basic needs of civilians in the area surrounding their compound. Hurley gathered a team and led them through to the other side of the wall.
The Iraqis, accustomed to years of oppression under Saddam Hussein's regime, watched warily and backed away as the soldiers approached the wall.
But the translator eased their concerns. "It is OK. They are not like Saddam," he said.
The soldiers got a first-hand look at how bleak the Iraqis' situation was as they brought water to the community.
"I watched them and realized they meant no harm," said Martinez. "It is sad, because we see children begging every day. I am from a big family, and I know what it is like to have nothing."
Some of the residents needed even more desperate help than food or water. Hurley described a man who was in dire need of medical care.
"There were two women there trying to carry a man to us," said Hurley. "He had stepped on a UXO (a piece of unexploded ammunition) while he was farming, which had broken his leg and blown off a couple of his toes."
The man was carried to the battalion's aid station, where the Company C medical staff re-bandaged his wounds -- the first professional medical attention he received, said Hurley.
The battalion hopes that what started out looking like a break-in may end as a lasting, positive relationship with the Iraqi population in the area. The soldiers have future projects in mind for the community, including a clothing drive, providing sheet metal building supplies, a visit from an explosive ordnance disposal team and the installation of a permanent water supply tank.
"Our soldiers are extremely well trained and have performed beyond my expectations," Hurley said. "They are capable of taking life because they are trained warriors, but they are just as capable, through good judgment and 'Iron' discipline, of saving lives and helping people."
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