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Making a Difference in Iraq, One Village at a Time

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080401-12
Release Date: 4/1/2008 1:52:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SCW) Jeffrey Pierce, 22 Naval Construction Regiment 22 Public Affairs

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (NNS) -- "With compassion for others, we build, we fight, for peace with freedom" is the long-standing motto for the U.S. Navy Construction Battalions. The concept of compassion and peace has never held more truth, as when the Regimental Surgeon for 22 Naval Construction Regiment was asked to participate in a Combined Medical Exercise on March 22.

In joint effort with a Marine Corps security team from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, their medical staff, and further augmentation, the convoy set out for the village of Ameriyah located in the Ferris region of Iraq to provide medical assistance to the local medical system and for augmentation of medical services for the village.

Cmdr. Gabriel Lee, 22 NCR's Regimental surgeon stated, "It was a privilege to be asked, and an honor to provide my pediatric skills to the children of the area. It was both a heartwarming and frustrating operation."

Lee was actively engaged to provide primary care to over 30 children that were presented to his make-shift clinic.

"There were instances where parents presented their children who were suffering from chronic diseases," he said. "These were the frustrating cases, in that, if we were in the States, I would have had the resources to provide them with further sub-specialty care. However, I feel that I was still able to contribute to the family's educational awareness that these children, although can't be cured, should seek out other specialties to aid with the family's ongoing care for their child of need."

Working alongside an Iraqi pediatrician, Dr. Bramin, Lee was also educated on the specific issues that are unique for children in a war-torn area.

"These children need care, but I am just one of a few individuals that can help, but we need more," said Bramin.

He appreciated the assistance provided by Lee, and was genuinely appreciative of the opportunity to work with a fellow pediatrician.

"I hope that I can continue to participate throughout our (22 NCR) deployment. I came into the Navy knowing that I would help the military by providing the best care to our military families, but now I feel that I'm contributing much more for the Seabees and the Navy in this operational setting," said Lee.

For more news from 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, visit www.navy.mil/local/22ndNCR/.