BAGHDAD, Iraq (Army News Service, Oct. 1, 2003) – After a missile dropped only a few meters from where 10-year-old Ali Suffah Jr. was playing March 29, the boy nearly lost both legs and his right arm. Medics said he might not make it through the night, much less walk again.

Ali is indeed walking again, thanks to the support and concern of coalition forces, who came to the boy’s aid after his parents turned there for help.

Physician assistant, 1st Lt. Jaime Davila with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division, was one of the major support providers for the child.

Ali Saffah Sr. turned to the coalition forces when the Baghdad hospital that cared for his son could no longer help, due to the overwhelming number of patients.

“The hospital could only keep patients for seven days,” said the father. “We needed more help. We had very little medical supplies, and we were running out. So we took the baby to the Army for help.”

The coalition forces quickly responded to the child’s needs. At this time, medics with the 3rd Infantry Division took an interest with the boy and provided medical attention and supplies. The physicians became close with the family, but their time in Baghdad was drawing to an end. The 3rd Infantry Division was going home.

Before leaving Baghdad, the physicians with the 3rd Infantry Division introduced Davila to the Saffah family. Davila had just arrived with the 2-3 FA, and the physicians asked Davila if he would continue to care for the boy after they left. When Davila met with the family, he quickly obliged to help.

Now, after months, Davila has the pleasure of seeing the boy walk.

“It is rewarding to help him,” said Davila. “I saw him today -- walking, smiling -- that’s rewarding.”

The younger Saffah’s recovery has been painful, and he has met with many hurdles. Finishing school posed one such hurdle. In order for Ali to finish the semester, he had to complete a final exam, but this would require the boy’s presence. Ali’s legs were still healing, however, he couldn’t walk.

Davila wanted to help, and he worked with another officer to get the boy a walker. “We went to a shop that sold medical supplies, and a soldier bought the walker, using money from his own pocket. The family was excited and extremely thankful.”

“Davila is a very good help,” said Saffah Sr. “He brings medical supplies; he brought a walker so my son could walk; he even brings candy. Each time we see Davila, he asks if he can get us anything.”

Davila’s kindness has also promoted positive feelings within the community there. Saffah Sr. says the neighborhood is happy knowing the Army is taking care of the citizens.

“The neighborhood knows what the Army has done,” Saffah Sr. said. “And they are very happy when the Army takes care of the citizens. They say, ‘look how the U.S. Army is caring for the children better than Saddam did.”

(Editor’s note: Sgt. Mark S. Rickert is a journalist with the 372nd MPAD.)