Military

Coalition Forces Provide Humanitarian, Medical Assistance to Kandahar Province Village

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070828-31
Release Date: 8/28/2007 4:58:00 PM

By Lt. Cmdr. Steven Parks, Afghanistan Regional Security Integration Command-South Public Affairs

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (NNS) -- Coalition forces from Kandahar Air Field, Forward Operating Base Lindsey, and the Afghan National Army (ANA) 205th Hero Camp were present to provide medical and humanitarian assistance support to the village of Alizay Kulay in Kandahar, July 13.

“We are satisfied that U.S. forces would like to help us with medical and assistance,” said one of the village elders.

Prior to entering the Alizay Kulay village, the Army’s Security Force established the security perimeter around the village in order to facilitate the Village Medical Operation (VMO) mission.

Lt. Matthew Fieganbaum and Command Sgt. Maj. Allan Jellum were responsible for the security and convoy planning. Lt. Steven Seney, the U.S. Garrison’s emergency response project officer and Lt. Cmdr. Stephany Hartstirn, the Garrison’s emergency response project pay agent were instrumental in humanitarian assistance coordination, while Lt. Kasina Sweeney, coordinated the medical operation for the village.

Two village elders explained the Alizay Kulay village housed roughly 40 families with each family consisting of approximately 20 people per family. Maj. Shahwali, the 205th ANA Garrsion’s religious and cultural affairs officer said it was important to be in “close cooperation with each other,” meaning that it was imperative that the U.S. forces and ANA work hand-in-hand for change and progress.

The primary objective of the VMO mission was to unite the ANA with the Afghan populace, thereby illuminating and enhancing the ANA’s significance as defenders of freedom and supportive and caring humanitarians. While there was a large presence of U.S. and coalition forces, the “Afghan face” of the ANA was also clear and apparent.

During the close to three-hour evolution, villagers had the opportunity to seek medical care while also receiving the necessary humanitarian provisions such as medicine, food, toys and school supplies. These materials were donated by government provided humanitarian assistance.

Shahwali addressed two of the village elders along with a handful of villagers in a sunken and narrow room within a mud hut. Shahwali’s message was mindful and deliberate when he said, “If we have schools, clinics, we have peace; encourage your children to be educated. As much as you love your children, and your family, please educate your children.”

The VMO was representative of great things happening when people come together as one team.