ANA medics show progress during second Combat Medic Course

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

01.26.2011

Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar 

Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army medics are showing great progress as they approach graduation from the second Combat Medic Course at the Joint Security Academy Southwest here.

The soldiers, graduating next week, have come a long way since starting the class seven weeks ago to gain the basic skills required to become a combat medic.

“It’s a good feeling when they demonstrate things I have taught them,” said Pfc. Severo Reyes, from Houston and a combat medic instructor at the JSAS.

Reyes said that upon graduation, the students will be able to return to their units and teach other soldiers the skills they learned during the JSAS course.

“I learned a lot about first aid help,” said ANA Sgt. Atequllah, a class leader and medic for his unit. “I learned how to stop the bleeding of my brothers in the battle zone and I have learned a lot more in these two months.”

Atequllah, from Badakhshan province, also said he wants to be a doctor in the future and the certificate from this class allows others to know he has graduated from this school.

“I want to be a good ANA soldier and help the people of Afghanistan,” Atequllah said.

Reyes said that he has run into medics from the previous class and their units are constantly telling the graduates how proud they are of the skills they acquired at the class.

“I’m proud of everything they have learned while being here,” Reyes said.

• Date Taken: 01.26.2011
• Date Posted: 01.26.2011 10:07
• Story ID: 64253
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF