Posted on 08/24/2005 10:46:27 PM PDT by SandRat
Task Force Peacekeeper, with the aid of Afghan Police, disseminate election information and provide medical aid to the village of Sabikhel, Afghanistan.
By Combined Forces Command, Afghanistan BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 24, 2005 — U.S. soldiers of Task Force Peacekeeper alongside Afghan police conducted a medical assistance and election information dissemination mission in the village of Sabikhel, Afghanistan Aug. 22.
"One of the keys to success with this mission were the Afghan police who were instrumental in helping guide and direct the patients to where they were supposed to go, as well as maintain order in the crowd."
Lt. Col. Ashton Hayes
The 13th Military Police Company from Vicenza, Italy, treated more than 320 Afghans including more than 60 women. They also conducted an assessment to determine how knowledgeable the villagers were of the election process.
“One of the keys to success with this mission were the Afghan police who were instrumental in helping guide and direct the patients to where they were supposed to go, as well as maintain order in the crowd,” said Lt. Col. Ashton Hayes, commander of Task Force Peacekeeper. He added this mission was one of many opportunities where the task force can show the benefits of peace to the Afghan people.
Having a female medic and female interpreter for the medical visit was imperative to success, as the women patients felt more comfortable and were better able to explain their individual concerns, explained Hayes.
This is only the first of four similar missions Task Force Peacekeeper will conduct prior to the elections.
Task Force Peacekeeper reminded me of something...
Wonder how UN peackeeping forces would do in Afghanistan?
I can assure you that no field surgeon can be of any value unless there are these wonderful angels called medics around to help. Kudos to them!
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