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3/5 Marines provide humanitarian aid

Navy NewsStand

Story Identification #: 20041114141845
Story by Lance Cpl. Miguel A Carrasco Jr.

FALLUJAH, Iraq (Nov. 13, 2004) -- On Nov. 12, Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, provided humanitarian aid to more than 130 Iraqi civilians who did not leave their homes before Operation Al Fajr began.

Several Marines throughout the battalion teamed up to provide food, water, medical attention and a safe shelter for displaced civilians that were found inside the city.

The civilians were found inside their homes as Marines advanced into the city looking for insurgents, weapons and ordinance. Marines began the assault at the request of the Iraqi Interim Government.

"This is the first time that many of these (displaced civilians) have dealt with Marines, it is important to show them that we are here to help them and that we are more humane than the insurgents," said Staff Sgt. John F. Cuoco, 42, from Westfield, N.J., and 4th team chief of the 4th Civil Affairs Group, Regimental Combat Team 1.

The displaced civilians at first were afraid and unsure if they could trust the American troops.

"Some of the insurgents threatened the Iraqi civilians that they would kill them if they talked to Americans, and were also told lies about how we would injure them," said Capt. Paul J. Batty, 33, a native of Park City, Utah, and the information operations officer for 3/5.

The Iraqi people were surprised at the hospitality that the Marines provided them.

“At first we were afraid of the Marines, but with all they have done for us, we are grateful,” said a displaced civilian as explained by an interpreter.

"Many of these people have not had water or food for a few days so it was important to take care of their essential needs right away," said Batty.


After spending a few hours with several of the Marines, the Iraqi people quickly picked up on a few military words.

"One of the displaced persons asked me if he could make a 'head call' when he wanted to use the bathroom," laughed Sgt. Stephan O. Cole, 33, of Tulare, Calif., an information operations noncommissioned officer.

During this time the civilians weren't the only ones learning from this experience.

"The Marines that were able to help out with the civilians understood that the mission was something they weren't used to, but they adapted to the change of pace and had no complaints," said Batty.

"Even though it is our job as Marines, deep down it was a personal satisfaction to be able to help them," said Couco.

With years of oppression, the people of Fallujah realize that the Marines are here to help get rid of the insurgents that are in the city.

It is our hope that the Marines will get rid of the insurgents that are not only in Fallujah but in all of Iraq, said a displaced civilian.

The Iraqi people were transferred to a local town outside of Fallujah for their own safety the next day.

"We were able to provide the civilians with money for transportation to stay with families out of the Fallujah area," said Couco.

"The civilians were able to leave with food in their stomachs and a smile on their faces," said Batty. "We only hope that this will help win their support in the fight against terrorism."