Navy Physician Heading to Iraq with Marine Corps Civil Affairs Group
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050815-15
Release Date: 8/15/2005 4:30:00 PM
By Journalist 1st Class Joseph R. Holstead, Navy Reserve Readiness Command Northeast Public Affairs
WORCESTER, Mass. (NNS) -- Capt. (Dr.) Thomas A. Risser, a cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, deployed to Iraq in August with the Marine Corps' 6th Civil Affairs Group (CAG).
The 6th CAG will assist the Iraqi people in restoring various services in areas such as the infrastructure, economy, and government, shifting the focus of previous CAGs to Iraqi self reliance. Risser will head up the health services department for 6th CAG.
“I and my team will have seven months to identify, carry out, and complete chosen projects; [for example,] assisting the Iraqi people in restoring immunizations and reestablishing private [medical] practices,” Risser said.
The 6th CAG, which will relieve 5th CAG, consists of Marine Corps Reserve and active-duty members. Navy Reservists and other Reservists will provide medical support, and have an impressive range of experiences.
“The diversity of talent in this group is stunning - business owners, an airline pilot, a Chamber Of Commerce CEO, an actress, school teachers, a major in the Oklahoma State Police who came back in as an E-5 for this mission, a museum curator, and the sitting treasurer of the State of Colorado,” Risser said.
To enhance their readiness, 6th CAG has received extensive training, including at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and other facilities since June. Although a CAG’s mission can be dangerous because members are constantly interfacing with the local population, it is essential.
“This is a vital mission, [and while] it can be challenging leaving behind our professional lives and families, we are here to support the active [component] and achieve success,” Risser said.
Risser, mobilized individually, is a member of NR 4th Marine Division, 25th Regiment, based at Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Worcester, Mass.
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