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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jul 3, 2009 - 7:37:28 PM |
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| FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan Army Maj. Troy Houseworth, a surgeon with the 14th Combat Support Hospital, gives medication to local nationals after they have been diagnosed during a Medical Capabilities event conducted Nov. 28 in the village of Tani. (Photo by Army Pfc. Jaime D. Mial) |
Blackanthem Military News, FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan – The 14th Combat Support Hospital provided medical and humanitarian aid for local nationals in the Tani area Nov. 28.
Army Lt. Col Bruce Schoneboom, 14th CSH commander, described the mission as a way of "trying to help this nation stand on its own two feet."
Before leaving here, Shoneboom gathered his troops for a quick briefing on what to expect.
Army Maj. Troy Houseworth, a surgeon with 14th CSH, told the group to look for people to refer to the hospital here, noting the proximity of the medical capabilities mission to the FOB provided convenient opportunities to supply additional aid.
With Soldiers from the 27th and 145th Engineer Battalions providing security, the convoy made its trip down the road. Once they arrived at the small Afghan clinic at Tani, they quickly set up shop and prepared to see patients.
Women wearing brightly-colored burqas came holding small children wrapped in blankets. The people were treated for minor aches and pains, and a few were referred to the hospital here for further treatment.
"I just hope we can help some of the locals who can't get to medical aid, even if it's just for their aches and pains," said Army Maj. Tonya Sanders, an operating room nurse with 14th CSH.
Several of the children had apparently made the trek to the clinic on their own, holding hands with other small children whose hands and feet seemed decades too old for them. Without shoes and covered in dirt, they found their way to see the American doctors.
"I know I'm going to break down tonight after seeing these kids like this. I think this is the most important thing we can be doing," said Army Sgt. Frank Corso, a licensed practitioner nurse with the 14th CSH.
Before they left, Soldiers provided their patients with clothing, toys, hygiene products and other items.
"I just like getting to help the people and seeing the looks on their faces," said Army Pfc. Brooke Reeves, a medic with the 554th Military Police Company who participated in the MedCap.
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