Airmen trek over mountains to deliver aid in Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julie Weckerlein
  • U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs
PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  Trekking more than four hours over mountain ridges and valleys, 19 members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered medical and humanitarian aid Aug. 7 to people living in Roydara, a village set deep in a valley in Afghanistan.

The group, made mostly of Airmen, as well as Soldiers, U.S. government civilians and Afghan interpreters, set up two medical clinics in the village -- one for men and one for women and children. 

They also delivered personal hygiene kits, rice, tea and toys, which were carried on donkeys over the mountains.

"This village is not easily accessible and there is no medical clinic built there," said Lt. Col. Christopher Luedtke, the PRT commander deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. "So, by bringing our doctor and medics to the village, we're able to provide some care for them, even if that means climbing a mountain."

After arriving at the village, Colonel Luedtke and other Air Force officers, along with Ben Lowenthal, the U.S. State Department representative who heads the PRT, met with the village elders to discuss concerns and potential future construction projects for the village. Security Airmen kept watch while others handed out the supplies.

Meanwhile, the team's lone medical officer, Capt. Kevin Kubly, set up a clinic for men and boys in a building in the center of the village, while his two medics, who are female, set up a women and children's clinic in another building. This was necessary as Afghan culture does not allow women to be seen by male doctors.

However, Captain Kubly, who is deployed from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, had no doubts in his medical technicians, Tech. Sgt. Jenina Rose and Senior Airman Alicia Woods.

"They are seriously the best medics I've ever worked with," he said. "We spend so much time training. I am comfortable with their knowledge and I trust them to make the right decisions. They're not afraid to think, or do whatever needs to be done. These guys make it happen."

Within an hour, the woman's clinic was filled with Afghan women and children as word spread through the village of the team's arrival. With their blue burquas lifted and their children cradled in their laps, the women were eager to relay their medical issues through Abdul Qadar, the Afghan translator who assisted in the women's clinic.

"Many of these women traveled a long way when they heard the medics would be here," he said. "This was the only time they could be seen by medical (personnel), and given medication."

From general aches and pains to rashes and stomach problems, Sergeant Rose and Airman Woods saw a variety of ailments in their patients. Using antibiotics, over-the-counter medications and vitamins supplied by the U.S. Army and through donations from the United States, the medics did their best to treat and educate their patients.

"I definitely learned a lot since I arrived here," said Airman Woods, who is deployed from Lackland AFB, Texas. "I've become more familiar with the different types of medication and what they can be used for."

As part of the Panjshir PRT, the team's mission involves aid, security and reconstruction work throughout the province. They strive to promote conditions for self-sufficiency, enduring prosperity and a secure, stable environment in a country that's seen war for about 30 years. Since the team must be self-sufficient, career fields ranging from services to Army civil affairs to Air Force administration must work together.

Though they usually travel for their work, the medics are sometimes sought out by the local population. A few weeks before the trip to Roydara, heavy rains fell upon Panjshir Province, resulting in flash flooding that killed about 30 people and destroyed local villages and bridges. Many locals showed up at the PRT's home, Forward Operating Base Lion, seeking emergency care.

"I've worked in the emergency room for several years," said Sergeant Rose, who is deployed from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, "and you have to think quickly as stuff happens. So that has prepared me for what I see here in Afghanistan."

After about four hours in the village, the team saw more than 120 villagers. After packing up their equipment, they walked another four hours back to their vehicles. It was an exhausting, but very important mission, Colonel Luedtke said.

"I couldn't be more proud of my team," he said. "There were times on that trail when every part of your body aches, screaming at you to stop walking, but these guys kept going. They kept walking to get to that village, where they began working right away. I couldn't ask for a more dedicated team."

Airman Woods said her team's versatility and cooperation was a benefit for the mission.

"We click very well together," she said. "We have good interpreters, good engineers and security. We all care about what we need to do." 

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