Bagram PRT holds MEDCAP, VETCAP

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

04.09.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher
Regional Command-East Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team held a medical civil affairs program and veterinary civil affairs program in the village of Upper Mousa, Parwan province, April 7.

Medics with the PRT diagnosed and treated Afghans with several different ailments while veterinary technicians de-wormed the village's livestock.

"We offered, what in the United States would be, family practice for Afghans ranging from two to 60-year-old men women and children," said Air Force Maj. Tim Gacioch, Bagram PRT medic.

Medics treated everything from anxiety to ringworm and prescribed medications to villagers who needed it.

"We're giving immediate relief by providing medicine and even an ear to listen to problems," Gacioch said.

Gacioch said many of the nearly 150 patients the medics saw had problems related to nutrition.

"They don't have a very balanced diet," the Clearfield, Utah, native said. "They have a harsh life, and their bodies wear out faster. People who look 60 here could be in their 40s."

While medics saw to the villagers' medical needs, veterinary techs were seeing to Upper Mousa's other citizens. Army Lt. Col. David Ferris, cooperative medical assistance, and Army Staff Sgt. Lucas Mouton, 49th Mine Dog Detection from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., worked with more than 100 of the village's sheep, cows and goats.

"Livestock is the largest industry in Afghanistan," Ferris said when highlighting the importance of the veterinary mission. "Eighty-four percent of Afghans own livestock. They used to export food. Now they import it."

Mouton, a native of Lafayette, La., had never done a VETCAP before, but jumped at the chance to participate.

"We found out they had MEDCAP missions and I volunteered," he said. "We're trying to build a good relationship and earn their trust by showing we care."

Gacioch said improving the Afghan health care system is important, not only for the Afghans but for the mission.

"Part of the mission is to strengthen their belief in their own government," he explained. "The health care system has a long way to go, but it has come a long way in the last six years."

Ferris said while treating animals might not be glamorous; it has a very real effect for the villagers.

"I feel like we're doing something for the people here," he said. "We're not curing cancer or anything, but we're taking care of this village."

• Date Taken: 04.09.2007
• Date Posted: 04.09.2007 14:13
• Story ID: 9828
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF