Commandos, special forces assess orphanage in Mazar-e Sharif

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

10.15.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - Soldiers from 2nd Company, 5th Commando Kandak and U.S. special forces conducted a medical assessment of an orphanage in Mazar-e Sharif, Balkh province, Tuesday, to determine the needs of the orphanage and patients.

The orphanage is home to more than 30 children and also acts as a women's shelter, housing an additional 20 women.

The visit represents the first by Afghan or U.S. forces and the children showed their surprise by swarming around the soldiers.

"None of these children has father figures in their lives," said a special forces non-commissioned officer that assisted with the assessment. "The commandos were great with them - they sat down to share snacks and played a game of volleyball."

In addition to handing out volleyballs, the commandos passed out backpacks, crayons, notebooks, and other school supplies.

During medical screening, it was determined that the majority of the 20 patients seen by medics suffer from poor nutrition, along with a variety of other ailments. Medical personnel provided medical aid to the patients as necessary as well as advice on preventative medical practices.

After the medical assessment, the partnered-force looked at other basic necessities of the orphanage and discovered that the attic that holds the living quarter's water supply has numerous broken windows, allowing doves to nest along the pipes. Force members noted the required materials so they could fix the attic in a future visit.

"The well water tested clean, but the attic area that the main water is held will need to be cleaned up," said the NCO, who will lead follow-on operational trips to the orphanage.

Future visits to the orphanage will include medical supplies, additional doctors and winter clothing for the women and children.

• Date Taken: 10.15.2010
• Date Posted: 10.15.2010 07:29
• Story ID: 58171
• Location: KABUL, AF