As a Shriner, it warmed my heart to see that we can help...Thanks for such an uplifting story...

Mr. Bazell, my name is Sgt Conley, and i was one of the soldiers who brought the 5 year old girl into the hospital. I wanted to let you know what happened from my perspective. She wasn't hit by an errant mortar round, she was shot three times by an insurgent who was attempting to attack a group of Iraqi soldiers. The same insurgent actually wounded quite a few other civilians. However we only had space to evac one, and Emam was the worst by far. This took place in Dora market an area we patrol everyday. I have seen a lot of wounds and death in my 1st and 2nd tours here, but I can honestly say neither myself or any of the other soldiers present have ever been as scared as when we rushed her to the hospital. I want to thank you for your story, until we saw it, we had no idea what her name was, or what had happened to her. We have since gone to see her family, who told us that her mother called home to say she's alright and in the U.S. As for my platoon, it's nice to see that all the stories that come out of this country aren't tragic, and some have happy endings. We would like you to contact us if possible, so that we can get some specifics on where exactly she is. I know that myself and the guys would love to go see her, we almost feel as if she's "our" little girl. Thank you again from my platoon, for giving us atleast one happy ending this year.

I would like to start off by saying that I hope Muslims everywhere (Sunni & Shiite) read our words of compasion and realize that we are all brothers under the watchful eye of a loving and forgiving god. That being said, I want to express my regrets that the USA doesn't realize who the REAL enemy is. G.W. Bush, Cheney, Rice ... The whole administration. This 'war' was started by Bush. He killed 5000+ Americans the day HE staged 911. Then he blamed it on Iraqi's HE and the CIA trained, equipped and collaborated with to get what he REALLY wanted. Control of oil. When are Americans going to realize that it is US who is being murdered. Our rights are eroding away and no one is doing anything to stop them. Impeach Bush, arrest his whole corrupt and evil group before it is too late. I would vote the death penalty for that no good peice of dog feces that calls himself the president. One day we will all answer to god almighty for EVERYTHING we have done. I only hope the screams of the innocent people you have killed keep you up at night Georgie!!

Mr. Bazell, thank you for your story that so many people can relate to here in America - I, too, have a 5 year old daughter and can't imagine what these people live through on a daily basis. But, I can't believe some of the ignorant comments made by people regarding this war. The horrors inflicted on the Iraqi people have been going on between the different religious sects within that country long before America got involved... have people forgotten that Hussein murdered thousands of Iraqi people with few trying to stop him during his reign? Who is to say that if America had turned our backs on Iraq and hadn't tried to liberate the country that this little girl would have even lived to see her 5th birthday under the powers that used to be in charge - that would have depended greatly on the religious group her family was associated with. These sectarian fighting groups are not limited to areas in the Middle East - look at Sudan, there are a lot of compassionate and civil liberty groups that urge Americans to get more involved with the issues over there. Are not these groups the same ones that urged American participation years ago when the news was covering the civil injustices and mass murders that were happening in Iraq? Are these the same people now arguing that we shouldn't have tried to liberate the Iraqi people? War is a terrible thing and shouldn't be entered into lightly, and in war there are no guarantees of success. I am proud that American troops and medics were close by to help this girl, and many other Iraqi people, when tragedy strikes them. Our military is a group of volunteers who belive in freedom and trying to give others the same freedom that we share. They don't ask for guarantees of their safety, only for our support and prayers.

As a retired health care professional- I am suggesting other retired professionals in the Walter Reed area -form a volunteer corps to be advocates for our wounded and out patients. Also those who would like to help and are not medical professionals, can assist in transporting the out patients like those in bldg.18 to and from their appointments and therapy.

If only we could help ALL children that have been hurt, mamed or orphaned. Thank God that she was able to recieve help and treatment. Who are we to judge? As for the war, I still see thousands of cars on our freeways with only one person...obviously, we still want our cars. Therefore, we need the oil. This innocent girl's fate now lies in God's hands. I pray that she remember the kindness shown to her and her family and that she make a difference in how Iraqis see Americans. May God watch over all His children throughout the world.

David Solmes and Terri Routh your comments are disgusting and sad.

This week we have seen stories about Walter Reed's disgrace, a 12 year old boy's death due to the lack of dental and medical care here and the excellent care an Iraqi girl is receiving. My mother used to say our country is "Going to hell in a handbasket", now I think I agree. Where are our priorities??? Billions of dollars spent to kill people and little is done to help the average American or our Veterans. When will our government start caring more about us and less about who has oil???

I like my son-in-law's rather simplistic view as regards the war... he doesn't get into the politics of it. He's just there doing his job. And if in the course of his job he can help one person there, it makes him feel better. Personally, I think helping this little girl is wonderful. I believe that she will have a fighting chance at a decent life after whatever repairs and rehab are completed.

I don't understand how anyone could make some of these comments. The story said it was an Iraqi mortar that hurt the little girl and who's to say it wouldn't have happened if we weren't there now? We never know. Also to compare it to a child from here in the states. Honestly hospitals will treat a child or adult with or without insurance. There is a law that doesn't allow them to turn a someone away away.

Mr.Bazell:
I am so happy that you reported this story of this Innocent little girl.She broke my heart. I wept openly. She didn't ask to be hurt. We need to pull the U.S. Troops now. It is a civil conflict now not a war. Much love and prayers to the doctors in Iraq for saving her life. I will pray for the Iraqi girl to get better. Thank you for your time.

I could not bare to watch the video any further. I have a 6 year old, and couldnt imagine seeing her put through this. And why was this poor child mamed? Because of a senseless agenda contrived by our govt, and its greed. Its no wonder the Middle East hates us. And all we are doing is breeding a new generation of people that will hate, and seek vengence. Thanks Mr Bush for 'liberating' the Iraqis. Time were much better for these poor people when Saddam was in charge. He knew how to instill order, and it wasnt through America's idea of democracy by giving them the Gap, and McDonalds.

I'm happy for that poor little girl, but I totally agree with the comments above about that it will be better to stop a nonsense war, that is killing and mutilating thousands of people, including many others kids we dont listen about.

Your story of the five-year old Iraqi girl was truly heartbreaking. While the American soldiers and medical staff should be applauded for their efforts in saving this young life, I did not appreciate the implicit and explicit references - portraying the Americans as “the good guys” and the Iraqis as “the bad guys.” Clearly, this war is more complicated and is greatly affecting families on both sides. Please be more sensitive in your reporting: focus on lives not on sides!

I don't understand the above comments - who cares where the child is from - they just need help

When I here stories like this about a wounded child in Iraq, I wonder how many more wounded Iraqi children there are that we haven't heard about....maybe because they weren't as fortunate to be near Americans when they were wounded...maybe she wouldn't have been wounded if she wasn't near the Americans...the mortar was probably meant for them....but then, none of these children would have been hurt if we hadn't invaded their country...this whole war makes me sad.

I waas sad to see such a young and innocent child hurt like that. Even though I may not agree with this war, I do however believe in helping people regardless of what country they are in. This little girl didn't ask to be in a country like this or did she have a say in anything,she was lucky to get the help from our American soldiers and doctors whom are hard at work and deserve our respect. Punish the politions not the ones helping and doing their job. I wish this little all the best and I will be donating money to help, I'm just a normal mother that cares about all children war or not we are all human beings.

I so glad to see the media finally covering one of the many positive things our troops are doing in Iraq! People just want to believe the negative they read or hear in the news, however, believe it or not if you talk to anyone who has been to Iraq from the time the war started to now they will tell you that it is a much better place than it used to be.

It's so sad that these innocent civilians are subjected to such horrible circumstances and are marred for life as a result or killed for no reason. Seeing stories like these really make you realize how petty and small our daily concerns and worries are. There are so many sad sad stories like this little girl's.... Do what you can to help.

How horrible to show such a story of compassion during such a long, enduring war. How awful we are to try and fight a regime of terror, torture, and fear. Our soldiers are just murderers who have every choice to ignore their orders and aren't there because they have to be but because they want to be. If change was so wonderful and easy, the world wouldn't be what it is. The insurgents live on other people's fear. Until that hold is broken and a fair government can be established in Iraq, we have to stick it out and finish what we started. To those who say we have no right to be there then I would wish nothing upon you except maybe that you open your eyes and appreciate what millions the world over do not have...your freedom. The ability to type your hate of our military. The right to speak out against this war. Oh, and our 'awful' military fought so you could have those rights. And Dubya isn't going to send a tortue squad to your house to torture you, rape your family, and leave you broken and dying for speaking out against him. But I suppose that it was better to have people like Bin Laden and Hussein in charge than to try and institute change.

Thank you to each and every single one of our soldiers. Your job is not easy. Nor is it one you necessarily enjoy. But you are appreciated. Thank you for putting your life on the line to ensure my safety and that of my family. And thank you for putting your life on the line to fight for the freedom of a country that isn't even yours.

I wonder how many Iraqi children have died or become crippled or homeless by our bullets or bombs. In most stories that comes under the heading of collateral damage. Lets not forget who brought this war to Iraq.We are not heroes for saving one and killing many.

One thing I want to say. Yes it's sad about that little girl, however, what about the little boy here in the US that had an abscess tooth and died because he had no medical insurance. Why is it so important that we take care of people from other countries and forget our own.

That's so cute...one child saved in a war in which thousands are dying.
Is this simply propaganda to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Am I supposed to feel like this team is made up of heroes? If so, explain to me how 'heroes' kill innocent people when they aren't busy saving them.
I'm glad that this child made it, but simply disgusted that so many others are dying senselessly.
Now this girl is 'lucky' enough to go through life as disabled, hobbling around. If she's lucky she'll someday have a normal life with the help of prosthesis...IF she's lucky.

How to help? Stop starting wars in the first place. "She was lucky to be in the right spot at the right time," someone said on the newspiece. Sure. Lucky we started a war so mortars fall next to her. Lucky. "It's a child. And it's good to help the children,"
We can help by not bringing war to the children in the first place.

Thank you for telling others of the wonderful work the Shriners Hospitals do daily. My own daughter was treated by the Shriners Hospital system for 16 years. She has a rare neurologic disorder, Syringmyelia, Arnold CHiari with neurogenic scolilosis. Shriners Hospital saved her life. Without them, she would be dead by now or at best paralized. She was treated at Lexington, Ky Shriners & Greenville, SC Shriners. THank you so much for exposing the wonderful work they do.