Task Force Viking Soldier treats Afghan child

AFGHANISTAN

03.17.2012

Courtesy Story

37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Story by Spc. James Simpson
37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Afghanistan - Pfc. Kyle Koblinski, a combat medic in 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, was on patrol with his fellow soldiers when an Afghan father approached them with his sick daughter.

Koblinski, eager to assist the Afghans, did a basic examination of the child and determined that she was suffering from stomach pains. He believed this was due to a diet relying heavily on grain. Koblinski spoke with the girl’s father and advised him to have her take additional fluids and citrus fruits to ease her stomach and alleviate her pain.

“It shows a remarkable amount of trust from the Afghans,” said Pfc. Tyler King, a driver for the patrol. “If the Afghans trust us with their children, all our efforts over the past 10 years have not been in vain.”

Soldiers from Alpha Company routinely assist Afghans whenever feasible. The first rule of counterinsurgency operations remains protecting the Afghan people. In the past, Alpha Company soldiers have given Meals, Ready-To-Eat, to starving children and water to families who lacked a fresh water supply.

• Date Taken: 03.17.2012
• Date Posted: 03.31.2012 01:47
• Story ID: 86054
• Location: AF
• Hometown: DETROIT, MI, US