Fahrenheit 32

AFGHANISTAN

03.02.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

By Douglas W. Plummer
105th MPAD

AFGHANISTAN --Forecasts called for heavy snowfall over the next couple of days. Temperatures had been cold. Near freezing temperatures at night would continue with afternoon warm-ups. It had been raining and snowing four of the last six days.
Ground conditions were cold and wet, with ice, snow and packed snow.Afghans have voluntarily returned from Iran and Pakistan, some recently, others that have been here longer and still have not returned to pre-war homes, and some looking to stay near the larger metropolitan areas. These are settlers that face the harsh conditions in camps across Afghanistan. They are in dire straights, but obviously not entirely forgotten. The developing Afghan government and Coalition have a plan for their health, safety and well being that works, given the chance.The PARWAN Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) learned of an emergency humanitarian requirement and had a plan to provide assistance to some 3000 Afghan settlers. A camp that had reported deaths due to the winter weather and conditions is located in the capital, Kabul, some 70 kilometers from the PRT headquarters. The PRT commanding officer, Lt. Col. Lisa Bailey, of the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve unit from New York, recognized the need during a situation briefing and had a plan ready. Part of the PRT mission is, 'support to the local economy", said Bailey. "We purchased 1500 blankets, 1000 coats, sweaters and gloves, 800 pairs of shoes, 50 kilo bags each of rice and beans; and 150, 25-pound bags of charcoal for distribution", said Bailey. "The Polish government donated $150,000 in medical supplies that was partly used in the distribution," according to Sgt. Michelle Naylor also of the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion. Other needed items like long sleeved shirts, pants and toys, and personal hygiene supplies including toothpaste and toothbrushes were part of the Civil Medical Aid and Humanitarian Assistance mission. "We acquired, loaded, transported and distributed the package", said Bailey.The first of the convoy left on time. The route was changed less than 15 minutes before departure. An improvised explosive device (IED) had been reported along the route. The alternate route was then authorized for movement. The convoy got moving at 7:30AM. The second serial also departed on time but, due to the heavier vehicles in that portion of the convoy, the movement was conducted more slowly and the arrival time was delayed by road conditions.Roads were icy in shaded areas near the villages along the way. One minor vehicle accident occurred. It involved two vehicles in the convoy. No one was injured and no incidents involved any Afghan people.The first serial arrived at the soccer complex in Kabul directly across from the camp. The concertina wire perimeter and entry and exit points were established. A tent for female medical assistance and treatment with a heat stove was erected. Heat stoves were lit for warming areas. First Lt. Lisa Dailey, with the 367th Engineer Battalion an Army Reserve unit from Minnesota, was the lone female medical professional. The male medical team of five coalition medical professionals treated about 150 people near two warming stoves located out in the open. The men's medical team operation worked off the tailgate of a pick up truck.The second serial arrived across the snow-laden soccer field and pulled inside the perimeter. Some 50 soldiers worked at setting up inside the perimeter and unloading the humanitarian supplies. Major Mike Hoss, also with the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion, was the mission OIC and he established early coordination with the Afghan police. They would provide crowd control outside the concertina wired perimeter. "The Afghan police were a major part in the orderly accomplishment of this mission", said Hoss. Settlers crossed the road, and a steady and manageable flow of the victims of the winter conditions came steadily through the site.Some of the littlest children were bare-foot. There were signs of frostbite on feet, hands and faces of some people that came seeking assistance. They were triaged at the entry point and directed to the medical area. "There were some cold weather injuries but, upper respiratory infections were the number one complaint along with various rashes", said Dailey. "There were pregnancy screenings and a lot of concern regarding the children from the women. I probably examined some 30 children along with about 60 women", she said. Distributing the supplies was an orderly affair that started at 11:30 a.m. and lasted until 3:00 p.m. By 4:00 p.m. the concertina wire was gathered up and the last convoy unit drove off the soccer field going back to Bagram. By 5:30 p.m., just as the sun was setting, the last vehicles arrived safely at the Parwan PRT Headquarters and began the After-Action Report that they do when they have done any mission.The PRT did a great job. They look for ways to improve and maintained good, effective two way communications. The Parwan PRT Soldiers are willing to take reasonable risks and have absolute faith in their Coalition of Soldiers. They are civil affairs, military police, engineers, medical and infantry Soldiers from the United States, Korea and Poland. They are trained soldiers that adapt to the conditions and do the mission.

• Date Taken: 03.02.2005
• Date Posted: 03.02.2005 15:04
• Story ID: 1248
• Location: AF