Bring Us Your Wounded

By Megan Schulze

The 67th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) deployed to Iraq in January 2004. During this deployment, there were several events that took place shaping the country of Iraq and U.S. operations. Notably, the single most deadly attack on a U.S. military base during the entire Operation Iraqi Freedom took place. This book highlights the deployment of the 67th CSH and the notable attack that took place on 21 December 2004.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Mar 13, 2024
• ISBN: 9781662945083

Book preview

The views and opinions expressed in this book are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of Gatekeeper Press. Gatekeeper Press is not to be held responsible for and expressly disclaims responsibility for the content herein.

Bring Us Your Wounded

Published by Gatekeeper Press

7853 Gunn Hwy., Suite 209

Tampa, FL 33626

www.GatekeeperPress.com

Copyright © 2023 by Megan Schulze

All rights reserved. Neither this book, nor any parts within it may be sold or reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

The typesetting and editorial work for this book is entirely the product of the author. Gatekeeper Press did not participate in and is not responsible for any aspect of these elements.

ISBN (paperback): 9781662945076

eISBN: 9781662945083

For the soldiers and civilians who did not make it back home, and to those personnel assigned to support and provide medical care during wartime

Author’s Note

For the past few years, I have contemplated whether or not to share my experience from my deployment in Iraq in 2004. The deployment was my first, like many others, but also with my first assigned unit in the Army. I built long-lasting friendships with the soldiers I served alongside. We have a bond that cannot be explained and never broken.

In December 2004, my unit, the 67th CSH, was roughly a month from returning home after a twelve-month deployment. We had split operations in theater, our company hospital had moved twice, and the holiday season was upon us.

The event that occurred on 21 December 2004 changed many lives. This book is not meant to highlight any one unit or any one person; it is to signify the magnitude of the largest casualty attack during the entire Operation Iraqi Freedom. The direct and indirect medical aid and coordination for all who were wounded or killed during the FOB Marez Dining Facility suicide bombing is important to highlight.

To my girlfriends, my Army family, I appreciate each of you. Your continued service, your guidance, and your undeniable understanding for one another have truly been a blessing.

Dadmarie Alvarado

Jennifer Alvey

Melissa Aschenbrenner

Amy Ester

Tiffany Hardenstine

Trista Hicks

Christina Wilkinson

To the Contributors

I want to personally thank all contributors for their time and courage to revisit a difficult subject for many but a necessary acknowledgment for all. Your firsthand experiences and lessons learned are truly what complete this book. I hope our story brings light to the challenges and successes of the 67th Combat Support Hospital and the medical profession as a whole.

I also want to thank the contributors who devoted time to reviewing parts of the book to ensure the information is accurate in regard to unit structure and capabilities. The insight provides a better picture of how the medial field in the United States Army has evolved to better the lifesaving functions in frontline medical care.

Contributors

Dadmarie Alvarado

Jennifer Alvey

Eric Concepcion

Erica D’Erminio

Gerald Griffin

Tiffany Hardenstine

Trista Hicks

John R. Stewart

Patrick Walters

Contents

Author’s Note

To the Contributors

Contributors

67th Combat Support Hospital History

67th Combat Support Hospital Unit Timeline

Preface

Part I: The Mission: Operation Iraqi Freedom