PSYOP Soldier doubles as physical therapist

When not creating better relations between multinational forces and the Iraqi community, Capt. Brett Parish of the Dallas-based 345th Tactical Psychological Operations Company volunteers his time and skills as a physical therapist for the 210th Forward Support Battalion in Baghdad.

Parish is a physical therapist in his civilian life. He is currently serving in Baghdad while his unit is attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Commandos), 10th Mountain Division.

Parish said he set aside his personal time to help the FSB because he wanted to work with Soldiers.

“I saw there was a need,” Parish said. “We have Soldiers working in extreme conditions who need a physical therapist. It also gives me a way to keep my skills up.”

“The longer Soldiers are on patrol, the more aches and pains they get,” he said. “Most people come in with back pain. The knees, ankles and shoulders are a close tie for second. I give them stretches end exercises. They usually hold the stretches for one minute, and I also give them exercises with rubber band resistance.”

Spc. Mariana Abrew, from the 210th FSB, said Parish’s advice has been beneficial to her and other Soldiers.

“I wish he was with us from the beginning,” Parish said. “He gave me exercises to do to make me stronger.”

(Editor’s note: Information provided by Pfc. Matthew McLaughlin of the 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs and the USASOC News Service.)