November 27
SADDAM HUSSEIN MY PATIENT
The call came from the command surgeon for Multinational Forces Iraq (MNF-I). All detainees came under his authority, and there was one that needed a couple of specialists. I kept the list of where all the doctors were and what their specialties were. The MNF-I doc asked me to locate two specialists. One needed to be an endocrinologist and the other was a cardiologist. I told him he was in luck because I was the only endocrinologist in theater and I could get a hold of the cardiologist. When I asked what it was about I was told that I would have to be briefed in person.
In my briefing I learned that I would be seeing Saddam Hussein. I ended up seeing him as a patient several times. I diagnosed him with primary hyper-aldosteronism from an adrenal mass. It was a logistical nightmare to get the testing supplies and samples out of theater, but I executed the task I had been given. I remained his endocrinologist while he was a prisoner.
I was torn with the idea of providing care for someone who was so evil. I read the battle reports daily and could not help but feel that so much of the death and destruction was on this man’s hands. It was hard to not let that emotional bias affect the way I treated him. It was difficult to reconcile internally, but I decided that I had to treat him as I would any other human. I had to be consistent in my approach even when dealing with such evil. It was ultimately empowering to my faith to know that I treated him no differently though he had given this country nothing but evil.
Dear Lord, help me never forget that every human being is made in your image. Thank you for the assurance that you are the ultimate judgment of every soul.
“The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.” (Obadiah 1:15)
November 28
SADDAM HUSSEIN (CONTINUED)
Prior to seeing Saddam, I wondered how I would feel since he was one of the most notorious dictators in our time; it was a curious thing to ponder. When I actually saw him I went into what I think of as “doctor mode.” It almost surprised me to feel pretty much as I always do when I see a new patient for the first time. I treated him as any patient, my duty was to listen and assist in any way I could. One specific time when I did a thyroid exam, it really occurred to me that what I was doing was pretty incredible.
I do the exam standing behind the patient and palpate the thyroid with both hands encircling the patient’s neck so I thought, I wonder how many people have ever had their hands around his neck and lived to tell about it! I recall also thinking when I saw him that his change in status was pretty incredible (dictator to prisoner); going from a position of absolute power and incredible wealth to being a caged human. I worked in one of his palaces and saw some of his other palaces so I had an idea of his wealth.
We spoke some, but primarily through an interpreter and always about strictly clinical matters. He did cooperate with my exams, however there was a period when I was performing the cranial nerve exam where I had him puff out his cheeks, grimace, etc. It seemed he thought that I was perhaps trying to make him appear silly or something because he gave me a kind of stern look like Why are you asking me to do this. I explained to his interpreter and Saddam then looked at me, smiled, placed his hand over his chest and extended his arm as to gesture “go ahead.”
“Father, draw me close and allow me to be someone that fears you, and takes great delight in your commands. I have seen that the wicked man wastes away and his longings have come to nothing. I pray that I would seek out compassion and righteousness and conduct my affairs with justice.”
Read Psalm 112
November 29
DANGER IN THE AIR
I initially flew into Baghdad from Ali AL Salem Air Base in Kuwait. I recall the ride out to the plane and boarding and having feelings of “well, this is finally it; all these years of army training and now doing the real thing, going into a combat zone.” It was a somber and reflective time on the flight into Iraq. I remember hoping that everything would be fine on the flight.
One of the pilots of the C-130 asked if I wanted to fly up front in the cockpit. I remember looking down from high above Iraq thinking how bleak the desert looked and why humans ever inhabited this part of the world. Once we got close to Baghdad, the pilots put on their body armor and directed me to do the same. One of the crew was looking out the windows for surface to air missiles, and the plane went into a combat flight mode and dropped like a rock out of the sky. The descent was pretty rapid and in a tight banking maneuver that generated some significant force. I tried to take some pictures but it was difficult due to the gravitational force of the maneuvers. Seemed a bit like a roller coaster ride.
In my role, flying was required for longer distances. Once, flying back to Iraq from a conference in Kuwait, our C-130 was locked on and fired at from the ground. There were explosions and sparks; it looked like fireworks. I could see light briefly from the windows out each side of the aircraft as the flares were deployed. Thankfully, not every flight was as memorable as that one was.
Dear God, please fill me today with your Spirit. In place of fear, please give me your courage and love.
“My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” (Haggai 2:5)
November 30
SELFLESS SERVICE
I was impressed by the selfless service of those I served with. They put their lives on the line and remained dedicated to each other and the mission even if there were political decisions behind the mission they did not necessarily support. The self-sacrifice and service was present at many levels. It was inspiring to see selflessness in the face of hardship and physical danger. Firefighters and law enforcement live in a service role and understand the strength and honor that comes from service and sacrifice, but the average citizen misses the benefits of service for the most part.
