Posted on 03/27/2004 5:07:26 PM PST by BykrBayb
Story Number: NNS040326-14 Release Date: 3/26/2004 8:49:00 PM
By Marine Lance Cpl. John E. Lawson Jr., Combined Joint Task Force-180 Public Affairs
KABUL PROVINCE, Afghaniston (NNS) -- Navy corpsmen from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines conducted a medical civil affairs program (MedCap) March 7-8.
“During the two-day MedCap, a Navy lieutenant and four corpsmen treated about 160 patients at a local hospital,” said Lt. Kenny Uy, assistant battalion surgeon. “The Sailors saw Afghan patients with ailments ranging from coughs and colds to worms and nutritional deficiencies.”
Patients also sought care for other ailments, including arthritis and blindness.
While supplies and time were limited, the “Devil Docs” helped as many people as they could, continuing the humanitarian assistance efforts of coalition forces in the area.
“There is only so much we can do,” said Uy. “We do what we can, but sometimes we have to refer patients back to local hospitals.”
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Axel Narvaez said the exercise “was a great opportunity to help people, especially the children. They were very happy we were helping them.”
“It’s a great feeling,” Narvaez added. “These people have been neglected. Now we can help them out.”
Narvaez said this was his third MedCap since he joined the battalion after serving a two-year tour as a corpsman at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Uy has been involved in other MedCaps in Afghanistan.
“There are always mixed feelings,” Uy said. “There’s the satisfaction of doing something for people who have so little, but there’s always the realization that when we leave, there is little medical help for these people. It’s gratifying work, but it’s short-term gratification.”
“The local doctors were very receptive to the idea of working with us. They really appreciated the medicines and supplies we brought,” added Uy.
Pleased with the operation, the Devil Docs are hoping another opportunity to continue the coalition’s humanitarian efforts comes their way.
“I was happy the battalion was able to help people this way. It’s another dimension we have in the battalion; we’re not just patrols and bullets. It’s humanitarian assistance,” Uy said.
For related news, visit the Naval Medicine Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/mednews.
When I was in the Marine Corps (1966 - 68), the Navy was ridiculed, of course....except for the Corpsmen.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.