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January 25, 2006
Captain Furat, Iraqi Hero
A few weeks ago I related the Washington Times story about Captain Furat, the Iraqi hero who led his men in many battles with the terrorists.
Furat is a Captain in the new Iraqi Army, and has become one of those larger-than-life figures in post-invasion Iraq. Maya Alleruzzo is a reporter for the Washington Times, who went to Iraq, and was with Furat many times when his unit was attacked:
Capt. Furat was typically first out of his truck, returning fire, shouting orders, attending to the wounded. His men, their resolve stiffened by his example, stood their ground in combat time and time again. More often then not, they would drive off the attackers before U.S. forces arrived to support them.This unit wanted to fight. Its soldiers believed in themselves. After each firefight, their confidence grew, not only in battle, but in the larger sense that maybe they were part of something bigger than their own survival. They strove to perform as a professional army. Asked once about the Shi'ite-Sunni tensions that threaten to tear Iraq apart, Capt. Furat blushed and turned away before replying, "I'm an Iraqi."
Tragically, Furat was attacked by terrorists while visiting his family on Christmas Day. His injuries are severe.
Alleruzzo traveled again to Iraq recently and updates us on his condition:
The powerful legs that carried him through battle lay stretched before him, motionless underneath a blanket. The broad shoulders and bulging forearms that once easily carried an 80-pound machine gun lay limp at his sides. Somewhere in Iraq, those who tried to kill him wait to finish the job.Capt. Furat, 28, struggles to sort out a life that was shattered Christmas Day in an ambush by gunmen disguised as Iraqi soldiers while he was visiting his family.
One of the bullets struck his spinal cord, and he is paralyzed from the waist down. Permanently.
Despite being hit by twelve bullets by the terrorists, he fought back, killing at least one. He saw enough to give information to our trooups so that they were able to arrest two of his attackers.
Furat is recovering at the Air Force Theater Hospital in Balad, Iraq. Because he is still a target of terrorists, he will be there for the foreseeable future.
(Be sure and follow the link above to the Time's story for the photo)
A Hero of the New Iraq
A decorated officer with the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Brigade of the 5th Iraqi Army Division -- also known as the Tiger Battalion -- based at Camp Falloc, 54 miles northeast of Baghdad, Capt. Furat loves Iraq and fought its enemies with a passion that won praise from American and Iraqi troops.U.S. soldiers of Task Force 1-30 who worked with Capt. Furat often called him "Rambo"; he could wield an 80-pound machine gun and belts of ammunition as if carrying an Uzi.
"To me he is a superhero," said 1st Lt. John Newton of Hague, Va., from the 1st Battalion of the 30th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division, who wept at Capt. Furat's bedside hours after the attack.
"He was fearless under fire," said Lt. Col. Roger Cloutier, commander of Task Force 1-30, from Fort Benning, Ga.
With Men Such as This
With men such as this, who could think of just pulling up and leaving Iraq?
Yes I know that the condition of the new Iraqi army and police forces is uneven. Yes I know that not all fight as bravely as Captain Furat. And yes I know that some join simply for economic reasons, and yes some to become spies for the insurgency. And yes I know about the corruption, inter-sectarian fighting, all that.
I know these things. I also know that when I read time and time again of long lines at the recruitment centers, that most Iraqis join because they want to rid their country of terrorists.
Captain Furat was such a man.
To abandon Iraq now would be to abandon him and thousands like him to a terrible fate. Only fools think that Iraq would suddenly become peaceful if the US left. In reality we would have another bloodbath like what occured in South Vietnam and Cambodia in the 1970s, where anyone who "collaborated" with the United States was tortured and/or killed.
Sure, some, like Captain Furat, would be taken with us. No doubt that now that he is nationally known we would get him out. But that's not a solution. Furat loves his country and wants to see it made right.
"My dream is just to stand up with my legs," he said. "When I can stand up with my legs, just tell me and I'll go anywhere -- Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran -- just tell me."As Capt. Furat works through the physical and emotional trauma of his tragedy, those on the hospital staff see an opportunity for the disabled soldier.
"He could be a beacon of hope for all the handicapped people in Iraq," said Col. Powell.
"He could be a champion, a great one. There are going to be thousands of disabled people here, maybe more. There's nothing keeping him from doing anything. We just want him to reach his full potential."
I have no doubt that he will.
Posted by Tom at January 25, 2006 8:01 AM
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Comments
I'll keep him in my prayers.
Posted by: Theresa at January 25, 2006 1:56 PM
I just read his story today and thought I would write a post, but I'll just have to link to your post, Tom! What a great spirit he has...may he stay strong.
Posted by: Anna at January 25, 2006 10:17 PM
I just read about Capt. Furat in my weekly edition of the Washington Times. An amazing story. What a pity the mainstream media ignore these things. One can only imagine what else we do not know.
Posted by: Jonathan F Smith at February 19, 2006 4:08 PM
Just to give you an update... I've been teaching Furat English! He's doing great!! He's here in the states and is recovering well. His doctor said it is very possible he will walk again but with leg braces. He is still in wonderful spirits!
Posted by: T at May 11, 2006 7:18 PM
God bless you, T.
Posted by: Tom the Redhunter at May 12, 2006 10:49 PM
I met this man. He is so much more of a person than the story leaves us to believe. He wants our prayers. He still talks about going back to Iraq and helping the people, and helping others at the facilities here that are helping him recover. What a great soldier. Even offered to teach me Arabic everyday.
Posted by: Dave at October 5, 2006 5:25 PM
Furat is now walking!!!
American Mother
Posted by: American Mother at May 20, 2007 10:03 AM
I had the honor of meeting this man today in my work at the navy exchange. he's the most brave and honorable man i've ever met and i'm so very happy i had the chance to talk with him and listen to his story first hand. it made my day if not more. =]
Posted by: Randee at October 14, 2007 1:11 AM
