Special Operations Task Force-West relationship with Karmah locals continues to grow Published July 8, 2008 By U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Larry W. Carpenter, Jr. SOTF-West Public Affairs Officer CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, July 1, 2008) - As part of the Special Operations Task Force-West's Tribal Engagement program, service members spent a few hours in Karmah visiting with Shayikh Fadil Khalif Aljomaily and some of the local residents of his tribe's villages. The meeting allowed SOTF-W leadership to speak with the Shayikh while medical personnel administered care to the villagers. A two-man crew from SOTF-W medical department provided check-ups for more than 60 people ranging from young children to elderly Iraqi: The medical team gave the citizens an initial consultation along with a preliminary diagnosis and proper medication, if available. "I actually enjoyed it, because from a medical standpoint, I like helping them (the Iraqis), especially the kids," said a SOTF-W chief petty officer senior medical department representative. As the medical crew communicated with their patients through the use of an interpreter, certain things became evident. Some of the locals had medications with them but didn't know how to properly take them. The senior medical expert brought along his "little green book," or dosing guide, that lists drugs by the different manufacturer's name. This is necessary because most of the medications that the Iraqis are able to obtain are from European manufacturers. The same medications have different names, and knowing this allows the medical crew to ensure proper medications are given out in the proper doses. For most of the villagers of Karmah, this is the only medical assistance that they have available because there are no local clinics in the village. The team from SOTF-W was able to provide them easy access to medical care. According to the Chief, the villagers would have to drive into Fallujah or Baghdad to receive medical attention because many of Iraq's doctors have fled the country. This was the third visit for the Chief to the Shayikh's house, which provided the medical team a rare opportunity to see prior patients and check on the progress of their treatment. "This was a unique situation that afforded me the chance to provide follow-on care," he explained. During a previous visit to Karmah, the Chief was visited by a young Iraqi boy with an ear infection. The medical crew told the father that he would have to take the child to the hospital and get antibiotics to cure the boy or it could result in life-long consequences. "I told the father that the infection was serious and that he needs to get treated with antibiotics or his son will go deaf," the Chief said. While the medial team was busy with their patients, this provided an opportunity for other members from SOTF-W to stay busy in a different way. Interacting and playing with all the village children who showed up to see what the Americans were doing. This involved a quick ceremonious game of soccer in the backyard. Throughout the afternoon, the petty officer had the opportunity to speak with the Shayikh on a more personal level and get an idea of how he sees the relationship between NSW Det. Fallujah and his village. "The Shayikh stated that the meetings have allowed them to communicate together and this leads to building good relationships," she said. "He also said that we are family now." The Shayikh went on to say how happy he was with the human rights Americans have but the Iraqi's don't currently have, and that we all should value the human treasure. (Editor's note: The author of this story is currently deployed from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing public affairs office as the Special Operations Task Force west public affairs officer.)