10th Mountain Division Medic Returns Home, Talks of Experiences (My Title)

LIMA - They were pinned down by enemy fire for two weeks without enough food in the mountains of Afghanistan and lived in dirt holes, but the 10th Mountain Division returned home this month.

Lima resident Chris "Doc" Couchot got to see his family and friends at home for the first time in eight months last weekend.

"It's a big sigh," Couchot said. Still on active duty status, Couchot is spending time with his family until he's called back to training this fall.

"It's like it's not real yet," Couchot's mother, Vicki Mayer, said of her son being home. She said she has to touch his face once in a while to reassure herself it's not a dream.

Couchot said all the members of the 10th Mountain Division came home alive and only one of the 26 men was injured while fighting Taliban and al-Qaida soldiers is still in the hospital.

While he is glad to be home, Couchot said he feels good about what he and his fellow soldiers accomplished in Afghanistan.

"Nobody ever once asked, 'Why are we here,' " Couchot said. "It hit home this time. It was worth us being there."

Even while pinned down for 14 days, Couchot said, the men kept their resolve and their spirits high. Couchot said going on minimal food for that long was difficult, but knowing that it was so fellow Americans could live in peace and security made it easier. Knowing that the other men in his platoon were depending on him, being the medic of the group, also kept him going.

"You just suck it up and deal with it," Couchot said. "It's difficult, but there's a bond with the guys, knowing that if I fold under these conditions I'm not worthy of being with them."

Couchot had only been in the Army for about 14 months before the 10th Mountain Division was called into action. Afghanistan was the first time he'd ever been shot at.

"That's the first time we'd ever been shot at as a group," Couchot said. "I thought I'd be more scared than I was."

But his Army training prevailed and Couchot kept his calm. He recalled his battalion commander telling him to be the best soldier he can be, because it only takes one bullet before he's replaced.

Under the stressful situation of war, Couchot said, a person can only keep morale high for so long. But letters from home and schools across the United States helped raised morale. When letters from school kids arrived, the soldiers passed them around to read and remember why they were there.

"It made them feel good that people were supportive of what we were doing," Couchot said.

Couchot believes the things that were most important didn't take place on a battle field.

"The things I did to help the people out felt better than anything I've ever done," Couchot said. "Just to see them smile was enough to make you happy for a month."

As a medic, Couchot was called on to help British and Spanish medical personnel treat Afghans for everyday medical concerns.

On one occasion, Couchot was asked for by name when the 3- or 4-year-old daughter of a northern alliance tribe general was scalded by hot water. With about 30 people standing around, Couchot calmed the girl and treated her injuries, he said. Talking through a translator and what bit of the language he knew, Couchot helped the girl understand what he was doing.

The people were so grateful they offered him their weapons, knives and anything else he may have wanted, Couchot said. The next day he returned to check her injuries and the little girl reached out to him with open arms asking him to pick her up.

"It impacted all these people and they have a new understanding that not all Americans are what they've been told for many, many years," Couchot said.

"He's the most compassionate person I know," his mother said. "I'm glad he's sharing that in what he does."

"It made them feel good that people were supportive of what we were doing," Couchot said."

...letters from home and schools across the United States helped raised morale. When letters from school kids arrived, the soldiers passed them around to read and remember why they were there."

This would be a good place for some one to insert the USO link for emailing our soldiers. (I couldn't find it)

A wonderful article, the likes of which would never be published in the New York Times or Washington Post.

What an incredibly wonderful military America is blessed with. They are the most lethal, deadly force on earth, dedicated and well-trained, and they are our heroes. Remember each one of them in our prayers, for their victory and their safety.

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