KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – When Sgt. Shana Sharbono, a 4th Infantry Division medic, helped care for a 12-year-old Afghan boy needing treatment recently, she did more than provide medical treatment – she bonded with the child.
He reminded Sharbono of her 10-year-old son, Jayden, who is currently living with Sharbono’s mother in Springfield, Mo., she said.
“It’s amazing to see how a kid who lives in Afghanistan has so much hope, strength and courage,” Sharbono said. “He was happy.”
Sharbono is serving at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, on her second deployment. She is the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Aid Station noncommissioned officer in charge at Regional Command (South) headquarters.
Sharbono, a Billings, Mont., native, says her son is one of the main reasons she joined the Army in May 2007 in the first place.
“I wanted to do something I could be proud of and provide a good life for my son,” she said, adding that she also takes pride in serving her country. “I feel wearing the uniform is a privilege, not a right.”
Capt. Kristopher Peters, HHBN surgeon and Sharbono’s supervisor, has been working with Sharbono since August 2013 and says she has a strong work ethic.
“She always makes sure things get done,” he said. “She doesn’t slack around on things. This is my first experience as an [officer in charge] and she’s really helped out a lot.”
Sharbono also works at NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit hospital, where she is the Troop Medical Clinic’s noncommissioned officer in charge. She said she has gotten a chance to see “how important and how advanced our medical care is” while working at the MMU.
In addition to trauma and emergency care, Sharbono has been a part of providing routine care for Afghans who come to the MMU for medical care.
“They’re very thankful for whatever care you give them,” she said.
Sharbono adds that she believes in the International Security Assistance Force’s train, advise and assist mission in Afghanistan.
“I believe our presence here can give the good people of Afghanistan hope.”
Sharbono’s first deployment was also with 4th Infantry Division, to Camp Speicher, Iraq in 2010-2011, when she worked as a treatment noncommissioned officer. She has been stationed at Fort Carson since early 2009.