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Operation Iraqi Freedom casualties arrive in Germany

By Barbara Toner
415th Base Support Battalion Public Affairs
March 24, 2003

The staff at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC), Landstuhl, Germany, are treating 10 patients who suffered combat injuries as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Two Marines arrived yesterday; six marines arrived today along with two Army soldiers.

They were flown to Ramstein Air Base from the Central Command and transported to Landstuhl by medical bus. Two of the casualties were moved to the Intensive Care Unit, while the others were transferred to the medical/surgical ward, said Army doctor Maj. Yong Chun, Medical Director for Deployed Warrior Medical Management Center. Chun said he expected all of the injured from various units to recover.

The names of the patients and the nature of their injuries were not discussed during a press conference that took place Monday afternoon at LRMC. However, Chun described the wounds as blast related. The mood of the wounded service members are extremely high, said Sr. Airman. Christianamarie Loving, intensive care unit technician.

"Their first concern is to call home and talk to their families," she said. Army nurse 1st Lt. Christine Gerba agreed while their first priority is to contact their families, "most soldiers are also eager to get back to their units."

The Marines and soldiers who arrived Monday will return to their units eventually, said Chun, but not soon. The patients will be returned to the United States, following treatment at LRMC.

Army colonel David Rubenstein, LRMC commander, opened the news conference by asking everyone in attendance to "remember the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and civilians in harm's way," and he extended condolences to the families of the of service members killed in Iraq.

Rubenstein spoke about the quality of care provided by the doctors, nurses and technicians of LRMC, calling it quality care of the highest order.

"We serve as a beacon of health care for America's sons and daughters," he said.