ANA medics receive ISAF medical techniques from 4th CAB Aviation Soldiers in Shindand<br />

CAMP SHINDAND, AFGHANISTAN

12.01.2010

Courtesy Story

1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade

By U.S. Army Capt. Benito Garcia

CAMP SHINDAND, Afghanistan -- Medics from the Afghan National Army received basic ISAF medical techniques from U.S. soldiers with MEDEVAC Detachment, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment. This training will afford them the readiness to assume responsibility throughout the battlefield with the goal of paving the way to a future in which a large international presence is not needed.

Company F, attached to Task Force Comanche, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and comprised mainly of Soldiers from the California National Guard, embodies the Army saying, “train as we fight,” as they add this critical training, which will play a role in Afghanistan’s eventual independence and stability, to their 24/7 MEDEVAC mission.

The training consists of aircraft awareness and how to prepare patients for MEDEVAC transport. The first graduating class had approximately 30 ANA students and the end result exceeded expectations and was a deemed a success. Despite the language barrier, the trainer medics, Army Sgt. Lisette Piedrasahaghun, Madera, Calif., Army Sgt. Patrick Modesitt, Redding, Calif., Army Staff Sgt. Steven Freedell, San Ramon, Calif., and Army Sgt. Daniel Mast, Stockton, Calif., did an outstanding job of motivating the students and teaching their craft.

The ANA medics embraced the training and demonstrated a passion to help others in the surrounding area.

Additionally, “In assisting with ANA training, the ANA ground troops better understand aircraft safety and patient packaging, therefore making patient transfer to flight medics easier and safer,” Piedrasahaghun said.

Due to the positive results of the first class, the Soldiers of Co. F were asked to return on a monthly basis to train graduating classes of ANA soldiers. To date, the team has trained over 200 newly graduated soldiers.

“Our presence in Afghanistan will surely have an impact on the future of well-trained soldiers allowing them to ‘train as we fight,” said Modesitt. “This is an exciting opportunity to aid in the development of ANA medics, in which the Afghan population will benefit with skilled personnel responding when called upon.”

• Date Taken: 12.01.2010
• Date Posted: 12.01.2010 10:54
• Story ID: 61165
• Location: CAMP SHINDAND, AF