The village is able to operate a small clinic, but restocking medical supplies requires a lengthy trip to Balad Ruz over 100 kilometers away.

"This is a very rural area," said Hussein, commander of the Iraqi Army’s 2nd Border Region Quick Reaction Force. "They don't have much out there, and it's good to get out there and help these people."

When the U.S. Forces with Charlie Company, 52nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, arrived at the village, the IA had already searched the clinic and the surrounding buildings, ensuring the facilities were safe enough to allow for the medical mission to occur.

Meanwhile, an eager crowd gathered in the courtyard, awaiting medical care.

As U.S. Forces established an entry control point, the Iraqi Soldiers cordoned off an area to search the residents before allowing them to enter the clinic.

"They really took charge of the situation," said Capt. Andrew Marsh, of Port Republic, Va., and commander of Charlie Co., 52nd Inf. "We could not have done this without them."

While people waited outside, medics and doctors from both the 296th Brigade Support Battalion and 5/20 Inf., both of 3 SBCT, 2nd ID, set up shop inside the local clinic which is usually ran by one doctor. It is comprised of four rooms connected by a shallow hallway amid walls lined with medical diagrams ripped straight from medical textbooks.

Combat medics screened the patients outside before sending them in to see the doctors to receive a diagnosis and obtain medicine and care for their ailments. Patients ranged in variety from a small girl with a broken leg to an elderly man in a makeshift wheel chair, but all were seen and given the same attentive care.

"We saw at least 200 people come through here today," said 2nd Lt. John Hutchison, a platoon leader with C Co., 52nd Inf. "Everyone was treated and screened. Today was a success; we had no problems and everyone walked away with a smile."

In addition to receiving medical care, the residents were able to interact with Iraqi Soldiers, which is a rarity for them because nothing ever disturbs this quaint little town. As they waited in line for the MEDCAP, the Soldiers talked with the villagers, strengthening their relationship.

"There is nothing here, only desert all around between here and Iran," said Mohammed, a company commander with the 2nd QRF. "It was beautiful to come here to see these people, give them medicine, and help them out together [with U.S. Forces]."

Even though U.S. Soldiers played an important role in this medical operation, their leaders observed and noted the growing capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces.

"I'm very glad that our [IA] partners are doing such an outstanding job," said Hutchison, of the 2nd QRFs capabilities. "They could have easily pulled this off without us being here."