We have finished our second month in-country and have about 4 and 1/2 months to look forward to. The idea of spending the better part of 8 months with a group of people can be at best challenging. Fortunately, we have a good group that works well together. As you can see, we've bought embroidered surgical caps with our nicknames. It helps to keep things as light as possible around here. Sometimes, the grind of seeing severely injuried patients can wear you down. This is especially true with children. We had a horrible incident of a mortar hitting a house full of children, killing one and injuring several other kids. The mood after incidents like this is pretty somber, and the ability to cheer yourself up is essential.
Lately, we've been seeing a fair number of patients from two local Marine units and one Army National Guard Unit. The loyalty and support within these units is awe inspiring. Many fellow soldiers will wait for hours until their buddy's surgery is done, and are usually the first to line up for the walking blood bank. The CO of one of the Marine units actually stays with his Marine even into the OR. Sadly, he's been present when some of his Marines have died in the OR, firmly holding their hand as they pass on. We also are blessed to have one of the Chaplains say a prayer at that point. They are just as vigilant as us, and respond to every trauma call for spiritual support.
The pictures posted include the TQ surgical staff caps.
Some pictures from "Outside the Wire" showing a small village near Habbaniyah and local BAS from the 3/6 Marines (Thanks to LT Smith for the pictures).
A picture of the CDR Raheb, LCDRs Carr and Corwin, and myself enjoying our nearly daily AM ritual of Green Bean coffee.
A road on base adopted by the KBR carpenters.
LTs Laquihon and Day and the crew with and their new blue plastic aprons donated from a stateside hospital.
Lately, we've been seeing a fair number of patients from two local Marine units and one Army National Guard Unit. The loyalty and support within these units is awe inspiring. Many fellow soldiers will wait for hours until their buddy's surgery is done, and are usually the first to line up for the walking blood bank. The CO of one of the Marine units actually stays with his Marine even into the OR. Sadly, he's been present when some of his Marines have died in the OR, firmly holding their hand as they pass on. We also are blessed to have one of the Chaplains say a prayer at that point. They are just as vigilant as us, and respond to every trauma call for spiritual support.
The pictures posted include the TQ surgical staff caps.
Some pictures from "Outside the Wire" showing a small village near Habbaniyah and local BAS from the 3/6 Marines (Thanks to LT Smith for the pictures).
A picture of the CDR Raheb, LCDRs Carr and Corwin, and myself enjoying our nearly daily AM ritual of Green Bean coffee.
A road on base adopted by the KBR carpenters.
LTs Laquihon and Day and the crew with and their new blue plastic aprons donated from a stateside hospital.
No comments:
Post a Comment