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'Non-stop' for another five months

Posted: Thursday, September 13, 2007 2:55 PM
Filed Under:

By Robert Bazell, NBC News' Chief Science and Health Correspondent

As I have written here before the men and women who provide the medical care for U.S. and Iraqi wounded do a fantastic job. But on this trip I can see the strain brought on by the prolonged deployment, the extra five months.

I’m in the Ibn Sina hospital in Baghdad’s Green Zone, a decent facility built by Saddam Hussein for friends and family. The 28th Combat Support Hospital (CSH or "cash" in military speak), out of Ft. Bragg, N.C., currently staffs it. Combat Support Hospitals are like other numbered Army units with a home base. When this group leaves, the hospital will have a different number when the next CSH takes over.

On Friday, the 28th will have been here exactly 365 days. When they arrived they thought they would be flying home that day, but like so many units, they got extended. (That is the nurses, medics and support staff. Most physicians stay six months, but get deployed more often). The extension is one of the hardest things these dedicated people have had to endure.

Change of plans
Maj. William White, the head nurse in the ER, remembers the day they got the news. "It was devastating. A lot of us were really planning on going home to our families," he said

Lt. Col. Sharon Williams, the chief nurse for the operating room, promised her three sons aged 7, 9 and 12 that she would be home for their first day of school.

"Your family holds on to that," she told me. "And when you don't meet that goal, you have to go back and tell them ‘OK, I'm not going to be there when you start school.’ It's almost like do they have faith in what you're saying?"

Stories like that are the norm with the unit. Many mothers and fathers are missing the first years of babies’ lives. Strained marriages are hardly uncommon.

And while everyone of the medical staff is quick to point out that the infantry out on patrol have it tougher, caring for so many mangled bodies is certainly stressful.

"It gets old fast. It gets real old," said Maj. Bruce Matthews, an operating room nurse. "I don’t think you ever get used to it. You just deal with it. It’s definitely a long time, no doubt about that, every day non-stop."

It will be non-stop for another unexpected five months.

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Dear Mr.Bazell, It is heartbreaking to know how these military nurses, medics and support staff are told constantly the plans have changed. It must be so very hard to not be around for the first day of school or when a son or daughter is born. The strain on the family and the soldier is tremendous. I can understand how it can become old very fast as was stated in the posting. I do hope someday they can all return home to their families again. God Bless all of them! Peace to all!  

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 6:02 PM)

How about utilizing civilian medical assets, either civil service or contractors.  I am quite sure there will be willing workers, but of course for a price.

washington, d.c. (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 5:00 AM)

They are heroes, thanks to Bush, and if America is lucky we'll have many more heroes as per Bush latest speech to the nation on Iraq.

Joseph (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 5:27 AM)

"We're taking it to the enemy"  "Bring it on", just a few of the ignorant rah rah rally calls.  We blindly rushed in and continue to do so.  Perhaps we should take what we've learned, and study the situation and the enemy more, before moving in any direction.  I'm not so sure the enemy isn't us sometimes.  Before war mongers attack what I'm saying, I love this country and don't want to see harm to anyone, especially our troops.  Having been directed by a person that has been wrong on practically everything, and has spent vast amounts of revenue and squandered our good will, our troops have to believe what they're doing is right.  I salute them.  This was wrong from the start, and no amount of spin will convince me, or other thinking Americans, that we have made our country safer by invading Iraq.  We all supported going to Afghanistan.

J.Hamilton Ohio (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 5:31 AM)

I'm worn down trying to understand the policy that's been pressed upon the American people.  The democrats are spinless to even oppose the adminstration on any issue with regards to Iraq.  I'm so disgusted with both parties that I'll wait until the next general election to voice my opinion.  It quite apparent that the GOP are hoping for a positive turn just prior to the elections and the democrats are casting their lot with the stall and wait crowd.  Both should be thrown out for the way they've managed the treasure of the American people.  God help us all make it through this insanity!

Ed, NM (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 5:58 AM)

Our CSH is superb. The unit that mans it here on FOB Diamondback in Mosul are by far the most professional we have ever worked with. They too have handled an extension. Still, when not working they are in the gym, the chapel, the dining facility and even singing karaoke. I will forever be grateful for them when they took care of our Iraqi engineer with zero hesitation. To quote the doctor on duty when asked if they would treat an Iraqi who lives on the FOB with us...."hell yeah, bring him in". MAJ Harriston is always helpful to USACE staff, and LTC Ricks who was the dentist was phenomenal. I will never forget them.

Sarah, Mosul Iraq, USACE (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 6:16 AM)

It is hard to suffer and the only consolation is knowing it is for predetermined time. One that time is re-set people are sure to feel super stressed. The Iraq war will be forgotten 1n 10 years along with all the suffering people. There is no gain in war for oil to make billionaires trillionaires.

don schmnidt (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 6:29 AM)

Another negatively slanted article about the war against terrorism, which leaves out the description of
the character of those who are serving. Only the complaints about having their tours extended. There are men and women who have voluntarily had their tours
extended. And, why is negativity so important to the media? Makes me wonder.

Frank Carta, Allen Park, MI (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 6:31 AM)

Like many American's I agreed with the invasion of Iraq because of the information presented that Iraq was a danger to America. We have learned that was at best false and most likely a lie or even worse incompetence by our elected leaders.
I have come to the conclusion that Iraq has become a lost cause, as long as the insurgents have a safe place to rest, resupply and train in Iran and Syria we  can not truly win in Iraq. It is time to cut our losses and get out before more of America's finest are killed or wounded because our elected leaders are not willing to do what is necessary to win.

William, Tampa Florida (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 7:40 AM)

About utilizing civilians- Google Civilian Personnel On Line or CPOL. The Army has MANY open medical jobs for QUALIFIED medical personnel and they WILL send you to Iraq or Afgh. if you volunteer.  And, they pay very well.

Chris Henry (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 8:02 AM)

 Thanks too all the professional people serving in our military. Life is hard for everyone involved in a war.  It is easy for the politicians to sit back and talk trash (ie Vietnam) while young americans are dying to give them that right.  I, think every congressman that talks negatively about the war, should be charged with treason.  They did not stop the war from starting, why all of a sudden they have all the answers on how to "RUN".  We owe it too the veterans of all wars to WIN not to run.  Thanks too our leaders without military experience for all thier wisdom on how to manage the war.

Jerry Bice (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 8:02 AM)

As a former Chief Nurse Anesthetist for the 28th CSH which went under tremendous metamorphosis during Operations Desert Shield/Storm, I can attest to the outstanding dedication to the entire unit to keep things running 24/7.  Thank you for bringing attention to the fine work of these soldiers.

Steve Sherer, Orlando, FL (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 8:09 AM)

Being a veteran of the Iraq war, there are a lot of stuff you miss as a parent. My children didn't even know me and refused to acknowledge me. After returning to civilian life, it took my children about 6 months to call me Mom...Now that was the best thing that has ever happened to me! Just remember, it is the job of a soldier to take the problems of our country first! I spent the first full year home in 2006...I didn't miss one thing and I plan to continue that tradition!

Renee, Lexington Kentucky (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 8:11 AM)

It was a hot summer day that day, back in 1970. With over 2000 sailors onboard and tempers high, fights between races and just utter chaos. Then it came over the 1 MC...grey lady down, grey lady down, this is not a drill. In all my life and to this day, I have not seen or felt what took place next. 2000 became one and I stood for a moment and watched in Awe and was almost brought to tears realizing this is what being an American soldier is about...despite everything else when it comes to protecting our own we kick ass. In the 23 years of service I gave to my country, both during vietnam and then combat in the Gulf War. No matter what the politics may be, to the american fighting man we have a job to do, and don't want to leave the job un-done. We must for the sake of the spirit of each fighting american, let them never lose or withdraw. Let's support our troops and help them win.

Pete from TN (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 8:38 AM)

As a military physician myself,  pain and suffering doesnt know political ideology  or cultural borders.  Salute those who dedicate themselves to helping others.  Salute those who dedicate themselves to the soldiers who are put in harms way and come back battered.  They are serving our troops who carry out our countries policies - regardless if they  believe it's right or wrong.  We (military) arent politicians,  and frankly most of us dont want to be.  They are out there protecting EVERY americans freedom.  They are sacrificing their homes,  careers,  morgages, car payments,  etc,  away from the people they love,  and away from the families that love them.  Spare me the banter of "we should be there" or "we shouldnt be there" -- if you really want to make a difference,  strap on some boots and hump it out to the beach.  They are there for us,  salute them,  give them the respect they deserve as soldiers,  but dont forget that they are also every day americans like you and me...

John, Gainesville, Fl (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 9:09 AM)

To the question, "Why is negativity so important to the media?", I would in turn ask, what positive information regarding the war do you suspect is being withheld by our "liberal" media?  I'm tired of hearing conservatives whine about how our "liberal" media is sabotaging the poor, beseiged conservatives.  The conservatives got everything they wanted - Bush, a Republican Congress, the war, a conservative Supreme Court, the surge, and STILL they rant about those terrible, domineering liberals and "their" media lackeys. STILL they pillory the media for daring to question.  

Our "liberal" media is quite conservative compared to media anywhere else in the industrialized world.  Our "liberal" media is at the beck and call of the conservative corporations paying for ad space.  Think back to 2003 during the buildup to the war.  The media was squarely behind Bush because those  corporations thought the war was in their best interest.  Coverage slanted towards the positive, ignoring or glossing over the negative.  Now it's not in their best interest to be in Iraq; hence the "negative" (I say, objective) coverage.

Larry, Brooklyn, New York (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 9:16 AM)

First off I want to thank the many men & women that are fighting to protect us.  So many have complained about this war & though there have been alot of lives lost I still feel this was a good thing.  How many attacks would we have had on our country if we'd have just let it go.  Every returning soldier I have talked to have said they were over there for a good cause.  A couple of them also mentioned if there wasn't so much publicity of just the bad things that were happening over there the war would've been over long ago but that our enemies hear everything we do.  

karly (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 9:32 AM)

These are heroes performing a significant service to our nation that many of us civilians could not cope with.  "Thank you" for the sacrifices you endure so that a nation which underwent through an amazing change can become a nation of peace.  Stay safe and we pray for all to return home safe and sound.  

Gigi (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 9:39 AM)

Look, I know it's a blog and you can write anything you want.  But coming from the "NBC News' Chief Science and Health Correspondent", I would expect something to the effect of "Combat Medicine: grace under pressure" or "the sophistication of Combat Medicine".  Nope.  How about the tools the military provides that help Soldiers cope with extended tours?  Nope.  Lessons learned for the next unit?  Nope.  ANYTHING about medicine, besides the setting?  Nope.  I guess in order to get the "feel good" stories, I have to keep listening to Glenn Beck.

Anonymous Soldier, Mahmudiyah, Iraq (We're actually making a difference here!) (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 9:42 AM)

Last night's speeches reminds us that both parties are so caught up in their fledgling positions that no one is willing to see the forest through the trees.  "Small" minded governments cannot win wars.  The extreme problems that the president wants to avoid by leaving have already occurred. The most important benchmark the Iraqi government needs to meet is that foundation of democracy called the seperation of church and state.  Yet, I have never heard anyone just come out and say it.  Otherwise this war, occupation or whatever it has become - to no fault of our military whatsoever - can never succeed.

Bill, Long Hill, NJ (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 9:43 AM)

Keep kicking the enemy while they are down. This buys more time for the Iraqi tropps to get better and hopefully the Iraqi Government will follow.

Death to All Radical Muslim Terrorists!

Gregg Martin, Prescott, WI (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 9:44 AM)

I was in the Air Force and served with the 16th SOS at the end of the Vietnam war.  I saw and felt the animosity towards us when I landed back in the states.  The Democrats and Republicans have no business interfering with the military operations.  They are trying to set us up for defeat.  It most certainly won't be the guys that are fighting.  Why is there not more positive news from Iraq that shows clean water installations and good things that are going on?  I know there is.  It seems the news is to bent on embelishing all the bad things that are happening. Just makes me sick.  Go America. Just an adder.  You guys that were on TV last night that had a rally out in San Fransisco, stepping on the flag and putting a swastika on it. Lucky I wasn't there to show you what a little patriotism looks like.

KG from MI (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 9:50 AM)

Are we in too deep at this point? Do we have to finish what we started? I am all for pulling troops out of Iraq and to this day, like many Americans, I have yet to hear a satisfying reason for why we are engaged in this war. It is so infurating to me. To everyone that has served in this war, Thank You. I admire and respect you all. There is no way we, as a country, can express or gratitude to the extent we need to. You have sacrificed so much for all of us and so have your families. Although I do not agree with this war, to all the troops, you are my heroes.

Sophie, Baltimore, MD (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 10:04 AM)

I watched the documentary 'Baghdad ER' last night and it was heartbreaking. But what surprised me the most was that every single doctor and soldier (except 1 man) said they hated the war, it was completely senseless and they didn't even know why they were there. Does Bush listen to no one? Not even the troops on the ground over there? I have three friends who just came back from Iraq and two have already tried to kill themselves (luckily none were successful). How can Bush continue a war when these troops themselves don't even know what we are fighting for? This poor excuse for a president has ruined our country and has tarnished our name forever.

Shaina, Ansonia, Conn (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 10:05 AM)

Thanks for putting the human experience of our service people  in articles. It's a rarer touch than it should be.It helps everyone here at home to cut through the spin and consequent insulation that the administration has so carefully crafted over the years to the benefit of their party and detriment of the nation.    

craig, middletown md (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 10:12 AM)

All I can say is why can't we be more helpful with our own people and spend the money like we spend for fighting other countries battles?  I know we have a duty but look around at our own and see how rough it really is. Lets worry about our selves first or we probably be sorry later.

Vince San Diego, CA (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 10:31 AM)

Its hard on units secure in the green zone sure, what about the guys who leave the "wire" every day and night never really knowing what they are getting into.  The nerve racking attention to every detail, never knowing where the EFP that will pierce your truck and kill all abord is hiden, not knowing wether the car that is acting weird has 2000lbs of explosives in it that will rip your gunners head or is just a scard, drunk or stupid driver who is of no harm, what is behind the door of a building your guys are about to enter, 8-10 hours a day, every day and every night. The war is tough on everyone and there families but put in prespective not so hard on some and that those in secure areas who never leave and have resaonable expectation of surviaval should not complain about being extended.  

Scott, colorado springs (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 10:33 AM)

I've been extended and lived through it,,,, think about the families who are survivors of the 9/11 victims.... they lost,,, we only give a little,,,big difference ! Life was never gauranteed to be all pleasure. This builds character, if nothing else.

Bill Wiggs, Hermiston, Oregon (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 10:38 AM)

wow,, separation of church and state,,,Its not found in our constitution,,, why should the Iraqis include it in theirs???  Our constitutional republic was founded on Christian principles , as noted by Thomas Jefferson , this separation of church and state has been twisted and blown out of proportion, the statement- congress shall make no law regarding religion, does not mean that Christian principles should not be part of our governing process. Legislating from the bench, judges have pandered to special interest by giving in to the seperation idea.

bill wiggs hermiston oregon (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 10:57 AM)

It is terriable the number of young men and women that are dying there. But what is even worse, is the fact that America looses more young people in ONE YEAR to drunk drivers than we have lost during the whole war over there. I am happy to have my son there fighting for freedom (and safe from the drunks on the rodes)!

danny earl (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 11:20 AM)

I am surprize that the People of this great Country of ours are so blind.  
The speech Mr. Bush gave has been written since before the Surge. The Surge was nothing more than a smoke screen to stay in Iraq.
How is it that everyone else reports on a negative on Iraq except Mr. Bush's Genernal,  who Mr. Bush back up 100%.
At the end of the year after the Surge, the US will not have more troops that before, even after the so-call with drawal.
Question:  what ever happen to the Iraqi troops that  
          were being trained in order for US troops
          to come home?
Question: How much money have been spent year to date
         on the training of the troops.  From the
         begining  or from late in 2005 when there
         were 350,000 Iraqi troops?
Question: Does any body have enough Balls to ask for
         real answer?

How easy We forget the promises made in the pass.

Richard, Fort Worth, TX (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 11:28 AM)

Well seeing everything on the internet, It was very sad for me especially those guys protecting their country U.S.A. Its retty much sad when you would have to leave your child/ren aside to work for your country hey but never the less if we try to protect our own place it would make it better for them in the future to come if our lord spare life.  May God be with you all doing the hard work.  

Elmer, Chun Belize City Central America Bze. (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 11:52 AM)

Why have we not impeached Bush?  The man is not only ignorant, but insane, as well.
If the Iraqi's want to martyr themselves, let them.  Just pull our troops out of there before the Iraqi's start the bombing and shooting.

Rev. Dewey Leon Everts Jr Santa Barbara CA (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 1:03 PM)

I too feel like this war should have not started in the first place.  But now that we are there I don't know whether just leaving is the right thing to do. Whenever we leave, they will continue to do what they are now and that is fighting our their differences.  They will have to learn to govern thermselves now that Hussein is no longer in total control of their lives and government.  That will take time.

B. Brooks, Fort Worth, TX (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 1:37 PM)

The way I see it, the current war in Iraq did not result from a presumptive attack by the USA, but rather is a continuation of Desert Storm.  When the Iraqis "capitulated" after Desert Storm, they broke the peace agreement by ignoring more than 15 UN resolutions and continued shooting at our airplanes.  I personally saw video tapes of missiles being launched against our airplanes AFTER the war was supposed to be over.  Our pilots wondered why we were putting up with such blatant misbehavior.  As an analogy, what would we have done if the Japanese kept firing at our aircraft AFTER they signed the surrender document on the deck of the USS Missouri?  Wouldn't we conclude that WW II wasn't really over and continue fighting?  I think that's what we did in Iraq, while many twists and turns brought us to the point we're at today.  

One more thing: if we're only in Iraq for the oil, why don't we have it yet?  We've controlled most, if not all, of the oilfield areas in that country for many years.  

Ron Dolecki, Huntingtown, Maryland (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 2:04 PM)

I'm a mother of a medic at the 28th CSH.  I just read that they are extended another five months.  Is this accurate?  Does this mean they expect to be stateside in February or March?

Rane Sessions, Webster, KY (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 6:18 PM)



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