What else is the Military doing here?

With all of the news of bombings and death here, I thought I would spread the report of something you won't find on CNN.

IPs keep rolling along

Story and photo by Spc. Rodney Foliente
4th Infantry Division

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers presented wheelchairs to wounded Iraqi policemen during a ceremony at the Baghdad Police Directorate headquarters April 25.

The wheelchairs were donated by Free Wheelchair Mission, a non-profit organization based in Costa Mesa, Calif., to help support medical needs in Iraq.

Twenty wheelchairs were presented to the policemen, bringing the number of wheelchairs distributed by the organization to Iraqi Security Forces and civilians since 2005 to nearly 615, according to the organization’s count. The distribution was handled by members of the 448th Civil Affairs Battalion.

According to Lt. Col. Ricardo Arispe, deputy chief of the battalion’s public health team, the wheelchair distribution is an important project and works toward providing medical support for the people of Iraq.

Lt. Col Arispe said he worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for more than 18 years as a civilian, and recently extended his deployment for another year for the specific purpose of continuing the project.

“Resources (here) are extremely limited,” he explained, but said he hopes the program will expand.

Sadam, a wounded policeman, said he received a bullet wound almost three months ago that broke his femur, which is currently secured together with a collection of metal rods jutting out of the side of his leg. The 25-year-old said he has hobbled on crutches for months and might not be able to walk for another five months.

“The wheelchair will be helpful, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Sadam through a translator.

According to Free Wheelchair Mission, the Orange County, Calif. based organization started in 2001, and has distributed more than 70,000 wheelchairs worldwide. The wheelchairs are shipped as a kit and put together on site. They are compact, lightweight and often referred to as a “lawn chair wheelchair” since the seat resembles a standard plastic lawn chair mounted on bicycle wheels.