Local Iraqis Trust, Request 1-15 Inf. Medic Often

Cpl. Rayshun Crawford, a medic with 2nd platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, provides aid to a local mukta, or mayor, in the Iraqi town of Arafina Monday. Crawford is from York, Ala. (A Company D, 1-15th Infantry photo)

Multi-National Division - Center Media Release HQ,

MND-Center Baghdad, Iraq
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

By Maj. Joe Sowers

3rd HBCT Public Affairs Officer
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq –
The citizens of Arafina know who to ask for when they have a medical problem, and that person is a 24-year-old from York, Ala. Cpl. Rayhsun Crawford, a medic with 2nd platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, has administered aid to multiple Iraqis for various injuries in the small town and is now considered a “go-to” guy for any ailment by the local citizens.

Soldiers of Company D patrol the small town to assist the local Iraqi Security Forces in their efforts to improve security. In line with the Army’s new emphasis on counter-insurgency doctrine, units in 1-15th Inf. are working out of small combat outpost and joint security stations in the communities that they are tasked to protect. Leaders also emphasize interaction with the local populace, especially influential leaders.

While conducting a combat patrol on Monday, Company D Soldiers were informed that a local muktar, or mayor, had hurt his ankle earlier in the day and requested the attention of Crawford. Crawford administered aid to the muktar and got him back on his feet.
“Cpl. Crawford is now a local hero in the area,” said Capt. Simon McKenzie, a staff officer in 1-15th Inf., “The muktar was extremely pleased with the medical attention. Many locals that are injured in the AO (area of operations) request help from Cpl. Crawford, because he does such a great job.”

1-15th Inf. is a part of the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Benning, Ga., and is currently deployed west of Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.