ISHAKI, Iraq, July 6, 2004 — U.S. Army soldiers from Task Force 1-77 participated in the opening of a health clinic on June 23 in the city of Ishaki, Iraq, according to 1st Infantry Division officials. The Ishaki Health Clinic, located approximately 20 kilometers west of Balad, is the main health care center for the city and surrounding area with a population over 20,000 Iraqis.

The Ishaki City Council brought the health clinic to the attention of Task Force 1-77. After an initial proposal was made, the civil affairs team conducted an on-site evaluation of the facility and made recommendations to the council for repairs and renovation. The city council, through their rebuilding committee, sought out and selected contractors and made an official request to the task force for assistance with the clinic.

The clinic renovation was approved at a cost of $32,000 and work began on April 26. The project completely renovated the existing building, providing new male and female examination rooms; a reception area; new air conditioners in all rooms; a sterilization station for medical instruments; renovation of the male and female bathrooms; and repaired an existing security wall and gate. The project was completed on June 20.

Ishaki city government and health officials along with Capt. Mathew Archambault, Commander of Charlie Company, 1-26 Infantry, hosted the grand opening. The 272nd Engineer Group

from Logistics Support Area Anaconda attended to provide donated medical supplies to the clinic and the civil affairs team donated medical books with the help of 415th Civil Affairs Battalion Public Health Team.

This event, the first in the area, was marked with a celebration at the clinic and praise for Iraqi-American Cooperation. This was the first assistance this clinic had received in over 15 years.