Eventful day in Iraq proves nothing out of ordinary for combat medic
[1/29/2008]
Source: 1st Lt. Eddie Van Buren
For Soldiers deployed to a combat zone, day-to-day life is almost never ordinary, and some days can be especially more stressful than others. For combat medics, who must be ready at all times to give medical aid to anyone in need, such days often become too familiar.Sgt. Even “Doc” Barker, a medic with D Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, has become used to eventful days as Soldiers conduct operations in northern Iraq. Soldiers recently experienced a series of events, some tragic, all in one day as they patrolled villages in the Kirkuk area – and the continued heroics of certain troops helped them through the chaos.“The events that happened on the afternoon were tragic for our unit,” recalled Pfc. Joey Prete, 1-87 Infantry. “Yet, I think in the weeks to come, I will choose not to remember the tragic loss of one of our friends and fellow Soldiers; I will instead think about all the heroic deeds of all the members of my platoon that day.”
Their mission began as any other, as they conducted reconnaissance of a local village rarely visited by coalition forces.After meeting with local leaders to gain intelligence and determine where help was needed, Soldiers were led to a child who had suffered severe burn injuries days earlier when boiling milk spilled down her back.“The girl had suffered second-degree burns that spread down her lower back to the backs of her legs,” said Barker, who treated the young girl: cleaning, medicating and bandaging her wounds.After treating the child and handing out humanitarian aid supplies to the village, Soldiers moved on.Some 700 meters from the village, their lead vehicle struck an improvised explosive device – severely wounding three Soldiers. “Doc” Barker was the first to begin aiding casualties, providing trauma care and first aid as quickly as possible. Working with practiced knowledge and skill, Barker was able to keep Soldiers alive until helicopters arrived for medical evacuations. His immediate care also prevented two of the injured Soldiers from sustaining further complications to their injuries.“Barker’s candor, courage and professionalism saved lives that day,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Woodbury, a Soldier in Barker’s platoon. “He reacted calmly and quickly – disregarding his own safety in order to help his fellow Soldiers.”Barker has become a hero in the eyes of fellow Soldiers. He remains prepared for anything that might happen and willing to help in any way that he can.“Having someone with such knowledge and bravado with our Soldiers as we conduct operations adds a great deal of confidence to us all,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brian Dommell, Barker’s platoon leader. “He is by far one of the most experienced medics I have ever worked with.”(Van Buren is a member of 1-87 Infantry.)
[1/29/2008]
Source: 1st Lt. Eddie Van Buren
For Soldiers deployed to a combat zone, day-to-day life is almost never ordinary, and some days can be especially more stressful than others. For combat medics, who must be ready at all times to give medical aid to anyone in need, such days often become too familiar.Sgt. Even “Doc” Barker, a medic with D Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, has become used to eventful days as Soldiers conduct operations in northern Iraq. Soldiers recently experienced a series of events, some tragic, all in one day as they patrolled villages in the Kirkuk area – and the continued heroics of certain troops helped them through the chaos.“The events that happened on the afternoon were tragic for our unit,” recalled Pfc. Joey Prete, 1-87 Infantry. “Yet, I think in the weeks to come, I will choose not to remember the tragic loss of one of our friends and fellow Soldiers; I will instead think about all the heroic deeds of all the members of my platoon that day.”
Their mission began as any other, as they conducted reconnaissance of a local village rarely visited by coalition forces.After meeting with local leaders to gain intelligence and determine where help was needed, Soldiers were led to a child who had suffered severe burn injuries days earlier when boiling milk spilled down her back.“The girl had suffered second-degree burns that spread down her lower back to the backs of her legs,” said Barker, who treated the young girl: cleaning, medicating and bandaging her wounds.After treating the child and handing out humanitarian aid supplies to the village, Soldiers moved on.Some 700 meters from the village, their lead vehicle struck an improvised explosive device – severely wounding three Soldiers. “Doc” Barker was the first to begin aiding casualties, providing trauma care and first aid as quickly as possible. Working with practiced knowledge and skill, Barker was able to keep Soldiers alive until helicopters arrived for medical evacuations. His immediate care also prevented two of the injured Soldiers from sustaining further complications to their injuries.“Barker’s candor, courage and professionalism saved lives that day,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Woodbury, a Soldier in Barker’s platoon. “He reacted calmly and quickly – disregarding his own safety in order to help his fellow Soldiers.”Barker has become a hero in the eyes of fellow Soldiers. He remains prepared for anything that might happen and willing to help in any way that he can.“Having someone with such knowledge and bravado with our Soldiers as we conduct operations adds a great deal of confidence to us all,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brian Dommell, Barker’s platoon leader. “He is by far one of the most experienced medics I have ever worked with.”(Van Buren is a member of 1-87 Infantry.)
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