The Littlest Victims of War

I had a request two weeks ago that I just hate to see. From Sgt Jason Y, at the aid station at Ramadi. "We had a mascal with lots of children. can you send baby bottles, diapers, formula, stuffed animals, clothes for kids of all ages". Damn.

Sgt. Arthur L, of the Besamaya Range Aid station

A "MASCAL" is how the medics refer to an event with "mass casualties". It means that so many injured arrived at one time that the facility was overwhelmed. The call for assistance goes out to the entire base, and all shifts at the hospital, every combat medic in camp who isn't out on a mission, along with anyone who just wants to help drops everything and rushes to the aid station.

These are never good news, but somehow when kids are involved, well that's gotta be tougher.


They set up triage outside the csh, and use every available work space to treat the injured. Jason said as night fell, they called the fire department to come and set up their flood-lights so they could work outside. They ran low on blood, and put the call out for volunteers. In minutes, they had over 100 soldiers lined up to donate.



I passed on Jason's request to our incredible Angel network, and my wife and I headed out to Wal-Mart and filled up a shopping cart with everything we could think of. Been a long time since I bought baby formula and diapers, seeing as my son just had his 20th birthday. We got it all home, packed up 6 big boxes and hauled them to the Post Office.



Got this email from Jason 6 days later, DEAR ANGELS, THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT. I GOT A HUGE SHIPMENT OF BOXES IN TODAY. WE ARE GOOD TO GO BY A LONG SHOT ON BABY ITEMS. WE EVEN GAVE SOME TO THE CIVIL AFFAIRS TEAMS TO HELP THE POOR RURAL IRAQ PEOPLE. I CAN THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH I AM SO BLESSED WITH THE ANGELS THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

From Major Mike J of the 506th AEG /MEDS

Once again, I am proud of all of our Soldier's Angels who can always be counted on to do anything that is needed to help our medics.

NOTE: This unit doesn't need any more children's items at this time. If you'd like to help, though, donations to Soldier's Angels are always welcome. Your donations give us the funds to respond to needs like this one. Visit OPERATION SOS KIDS at our Soldier's Angels website to see how you can help.

-Rog