Ghazni Teams assess three districts in five days

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Verdine, project manager from Plain View, Texas, and Sgt. 1st Class Jon Martinez, agriculture specialist from Del Rio, Texas, assigned to the Task Force White Eagle Agribusiness Developmental Team, checks the condition of a horse Nov. 30, in a village in Nawuh District, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Randy Dull, from Edgartown, Mass., and Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team squad leader, speaks to local children during a patrol of the Nawuh District, Afghanistan Nov. 29. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members from Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, Polish PRT, and Agribusiness Developmental Team look at a hydro plant Nov. 30, in a village in Nawuh District, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy Lt.Cmdr. Matt Cook, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team chief engineer, and U.S. Navy Cmdr. Tristan Rizzi, Ghazni PRT commander from St. Petersburg, Fla., checks the status of a clinic Nov. 30, in a village in Nawuh District, Afghanistan. The team performed quality assurance checks on projects during the five-day mission in Jaghori, Nawuh, and Malistan districts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Jorge Enriquez, from Rockland, Mass., and Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team infantry member, greets a local man and child Dec. 1, during a walkthrough in the Malistan District, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI TEAMS ASSESS THREE DISTRICTS IN FIVE DAYS

story by Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady




GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, Agribusiness Developmental Team, and Polish Provincial Reconstruction Team spent five days visiting the Nawur, Jaghori and Malistan districts recently, to assess projects within the districts and speak with district sub-governors and police chiefs.

“The PRT’s main mission was to do quality assurance checks on projects and engage with local government officials for all three districts,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Matt Cook, chief engineer from Johnstown, Colo., assigned to Ghazni PRT, Task Force White Eagle. “We also evaluated future projects for next year and future PRT projects."

The ADT was able to gather information about each district’s agriculture and plan how to help the districts maintain their agriculture.

“We stopped at a few villages and saw some of the livestock they have on hand,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Verdine, project manager from Plainview, Texas, assigned to ADT, Task Force White Eagle. “The animals looked good considering the supplies they have to support the animals. At the demo farm we were able to make sure the manager knew what needed to be checked every week. The demo farm is going in the right direction and we have education materials being translated into Dari and English for two purposes, education of agriculture and education in English.”

The Polish PRT members were able to gain information about the district’s government and speak with the chief of police.

“We got a chance to ask how the governors work, the level of security, continue governance talks with the police chiefs and learn the difficulties faced from winter weather,” said Polish army Capt. Gregory Kotarski, assigned to Polish PRT, Task Force White Eagle. “We were able to look at everything we planned to look at and gather lot of information so we can update our commander about these districts.”

The PRT medics also had the opportunity to visit the local clinics and see the difference between each one.

“We assessed the local clinics to find out what they have, how it works and what they need,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Lynn Chaplin, medical non-commissioned officer from Rosenhayn, N.J., assigned to Ghazni PRT, Task Force White Eagle. “I informed them we will take the information we gathered and work through the public health director and GIROA to meet their needs. They had broken equipment, limited electricity but the doctors were proud of the job they were doing for their people.”

Having different units with different missions work together allowed everyone to complete their tasks in a limited amount of time.

“Due to the duration and frequency that we can visit we have to partner across all the different elements,” said Cook. “By combining forces we can accomplish more in a few days. We had a long list of places to visit each day in the three districts and structure our mission to accomplish that and we did.”
The local population in each district seemed really happy with this team being here and was eager to interact with them.
“I think our interaction with the local community was far greater than any other district because we were able to walk through the village multiple times,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Tristan Rizzi, Ghazni PRT commander from St. Petersburg, Fla., Task Force White Eagle. “These areas were more permissive allowing us to get out and talk to the locals, buy things from the local economy, and see what their concerns are at the local levels.”



 



Ghazni PRT trains with Polish pilots

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Polish 1st Lieutenant Joanna Erbetowska, helicopter pilot assigned to Task Force White Eagle, gives a brief about helicopter safety to the Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni during familiarization training Nov. 26, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan. The PRT and Polish pilots had a familiarization course about the Polish helicopter in the event of future a joint mission. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

 

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Polish warrant officer Peter Wierzbicki, flight engineer assigned to Task Force White Eagle, answers questions from the Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni inside the helicopter during familiarization training Nov. 26, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan. The PRT and Polish pilots had a familiarization course about the Polish helicopter in the event of a future joint mission. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

 

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Polish warrant officer Peter Wierzbicki, flight engineer assigned to Task Force White Eagle, watches from the helicopter as the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team practices providing security for the helicopter during familiarization training Nov. 26, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan. The PRT and Polish pilots had a familiarization course about the Polish helicopter in the event of a future joint mission. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Jay McCarthy, security force team leader from Nantucket, Mass., assigned to the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, helps his team quickly exit from the helicopter as Polish warrant officer Peter Wierzbicki, flight engineer assigned to Task Force White Eagle, watches during familiarization training Nov. 26, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan. The PRT and Polish pilots had a familiarization course about the Polish helicopter in case of joint mission. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

Ghazni PRT trains with Polish pilots
story by Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team conducted helicopter familiarization training with Polish pilots at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan Nov. 26.

This training allowed the PRT to practice the proper ways to enter and exit a Polish helicopter and how to set up their units.

“In any event where we need support from the Polish or they need help from us, we are familiarized with their operating procedures and aircrafts, as well as their aircraft’s capabilities,” said U.S. Army Sergeant Jay McCarthy, Ghazni PRT security force team leader attached to Task Force White Eagle, and native of Nantucket, Mass. "This allows us to quickly complete our task without having to learn in the middle of a situation.”

The training began with learning the difference between U.S. and Polish helicopters, familiarizing themselves with the helicopter and gathering safety tips. The PRT then practiced entering the Polish helicopter and setting up a security detail to ensure all their members can safely board the helicopter.

“The PRT was good and understood all that we taught,” said Polish warrant officer Peter Wierzbicki, flight engineer assigned to Task Force White Eagle. “Through this short training we feel the PRT is ready in case we need to use their assistance. We all support each other and training with each other helps us work together more efficiently.”

This training allowed the PRT and its Polish counterparts to learn from each other and pass information to each other.

“This training allowed us to work with coalition forces and learn their operating procedures,” said U.S. Army Cpl. Roger Pilot, an infantry member from Dedham, Mass., assigned to the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, attached to Task Force White Eagle. “Every unit has different procedures for the same operations and this training allowed us to combine different tactics to make one operating procedure.”

At the conclusion of the training both sides felt confident about the assistance they may be required to provide for each other.

“The training was very effective and I feel it will be helpful with working with the PRT in the future,” said Polish 1st Lieutenant  Joanna Erbetowska, helicopter pilot assigned to Task Force White Eagle. “It’s important to know that the troops we are delivering or receiving will be safe and know how to provide security for the helicopter."

Ghazni PRT women host health class for local women

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Local women listen to female Provincial Reconstruction Team members during the women’s health class at the local clinic Oct. 8, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan.  The women PRT members taught the local females how to properly take care of themselves and their children. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Nicole Janssen, civil affairs member from Wautoma, Wis., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, speaks to a local child during the women’s health class at the local clinic Oct. 8, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan.  The women PRT members taught the local females how to properly take care of themselves and their children. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2^nd Class Maida Ferraes, corpsman from El Sentro, Calif., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, greets local children during the women’s health class at the local clinic Oct. 8, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan.  The women PRT members taught the local females how to properly take care of themselves and their children. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Ms. Rebecca Yagerman, U.S. Aid field program officer from New York, N.Y., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, speaks to local children about the different hygiene items they received during the women’s health class in the local clinic Oct. 8, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan.  The women PRT members taught the local females how to properly take care of themselves and their children. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A Local woman gets her blood pressure checked in the local clinic Oct. 8, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan.  The women PRT members performed check-ups on the local women and their children. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2^nd Class Thaysha King, corpsman from Queens, N.Y., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, applies lotion to the face of a local child during the women’s health class at the local clinic Oct. 8, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan.  The women PRT members taught the local females how to proper skin care. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

Smile

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Cpl. Roger Pilat, infantry member from Dedham, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, shows the daughters of the Department of Women Affairs director their photos during the DOWA key leader engagement Sept 6, in Ghazni City, Afghanistan. Cpl Pilot is a member of the security detail during this meeting.  (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jill Lavoie)

Spartans secure area and shoot at local range

 GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Nicholas Alexander, team leader from Nantucket, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, secures the perimeter while U.S. Army Staff Sgt. George MacMasters, squad leader from Watertown, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, uses his binoculars to watch the perimeter Sept. 28, at the Waghez District Center, Afghanistan.  The PRT was providing security while a meeting with the Muhammed Qasim, chief of police for Waghez District. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Michael Desantis, infantry member from Malden, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, guards the front entrance as U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Griffin, from Snohomish, Wash., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, and U.S. Army Sgt. Nicholas Alexander, team leader from Nantucket, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, secures the perimeter Sept. 28, at the Waghez District Center, Afghanistan.  The PRT was providing security while a meeting with the Muhammed Qasim, chief of police for Waghez District. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of the Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, fire their weapons Sept. 28, at the firing range in Waghez District, Afghanistan. The PRT confirmed their primary and secondary weapons were zeroed. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Enrico Mateo, infantry member from Randolph, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, and U.S. Army Spc. Whitney Hyde, infantry member from West Tisbury, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, fire their weapons Sept. 28, at the firing range in Waghez District, Afghanistan., Afghanistan. The PRT confirmed their primary and secondary weapons were zeroed. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Michael Desantis, infantry member from Malden, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, fires his weapon Sept. 28, at the firing range in Waghez District, Afghanistan.  The PRT confirmed their primary and secondary weapons were adjusted properly. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

Spartan provides over watch

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S Army Sgt. Paul Cruwys, infantryman from Rochester, Mass. assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle provides over watch for a key leader engagement as an Afghan woman watches the commotion. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. J. Lavoie, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

Ghazni PRT delivers medical supplies to local clinic

 GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Dennis Magnasco, medic from Boston, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, helps the Afghan National Police carry medical supplies into the local clinic Sept. 10, in the Moqur District Center, Afghanistan. The PRT spoke to the clinic doctor about the needs of the clinic and delivered medical supplies to the local clinic. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Roger Pilat, infantry member from Dedham, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, gives medical supplies to an Afghan National Police member Sept. 10, in the Moqur District Center, Afghanistan. The PRT spoke to the clinic doctor about the needs of the clinic and delivered medical supplies to the local clinic. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

Written by By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady GhazniProvincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs 


GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team
members helped the Afghan National Police deliver medical supplies to
the Moqur District Center and spoke to clinic doctors about their needs
during a site visit Sept. 10.


Three pallets of medical supplies ranging from bandages to surgical
equipment, a gift from the Afghan government and the PRT, were delivered
to the clinic to provide aid to the local villagers.

"This was our first time visiting this clinic and speaking to their
doctor," said U.S. Army Sgt. Dennis Magnasco, a medic assigned to the
Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, Task Force White Eagle and Boston
native.  "We were able to find out how well the clinic is operating, how
it met the needs of the people, and what medical issues were affecting
the people."

The clinic's doctor Khial Mohammed Naiz was able to answer questions for
the PRT and thank them for their assistance. 

"Thank you, we are a poor country and these medical supplies will help
our people", said Dr. Khial Mohammed Naiz.

The PRT also gained vast knowledge about an area previously not visited.

"This engagement was very important and went well," said Magnasco. "They
were happy to receive the medical supplies and we were able to gain a
lot of information to provide support to their people."

Communication Specialists

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Kinslow, communications specialist from Columbia, S.C., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, checks the frequency of the Harris radio while U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class David Swearingen, communications specialist from Orange, Texas, assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, grabs a trim crew access unit for replacement in a tactical vehicle during scheduled maintenance July 10, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan. Ensuring that all members inside the vehicle can communicate with each other allows the provincial reconstruction team to operate as a team. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Kinslow, communications specialist from Columbia, S.C., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, sets up the COM21 antenna July 24, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan. Setting up this antenna allows them to get a new FM station. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

By U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. J. Lavoie

Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan -   “Spartan main, this is Spartan 2-7.  Radio check over.”

“Spartan 2-7, this is Spartan Main. Roger, out.”

A routine comms check carried out before every mission, at the same time someone in the Provincial Reconstruction Team sends an e-mail, while someone else answers the phone.  Most of the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen will go back to their living quarters after work and check their Facebook or twitter accounts to keep up with family.

All of this is possible because of the three people who work in PRT Ghazni’s communications section.

“We are the first line of repair for all of the computers, printers and network equipment in the PRT,” said U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jim Emerick, from Cary, N.C. assigned to the Ghazni PRT, Task Force White Eagle. “We’re the hands on trouble shooters, by the time it gets to ITT, we've found the problem, but often don’t have the level of access to fix it.”

Having PRT communications specialists, also allows PRT personnel to get their computer problems address more quickly, often on the spot.

“It stream lines the process of getting your computer fixed.  If everything went to ITT they would be overwhelmed,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class David Swearingen from Orange, Texas, electronics technician assigned to the Ghazni PRT, Task Force White Eagle.

In addition to computers, they are responsible for all communication equipment in the tactical vehicles, including radios and the blue force trackers.  For Swearingen, who works on radars when not assigned to the PRT, this is a learning experience.

“On the most basic level it’s the same, electronics are electronics,” he said.  “I learn a lot. Anytime I come across something in the truck, I learn something.  A lot of this stuff is learning as you go.”

Swearingen isn’t the only communication specialist who is developing additional skills during this deployment.

“We’re ETs -- everything techs,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Ken Kinslow from Beaufort, S.C. communications specalist assigned to the Ghazni PRT, Task Force White Eagle. “We get tasked on a daily basis with something new and many times we aren’t trained on it, so we learn on the fly. It’s fun, but it’s difficult sometimes.

Especially when so few people are in charged with so many important responsibilities.

“If our radios go down, we can’t go on mission because we can’t communicate,” said Kinslow. “At the base of every mission, they can plan and plan, but if we can’t do our jobs, it won’t roll.”

Providing overwatch

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Nicholas Kole, infantry member from North Dighton, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, secures the area with his 240B while U.S. Army Sgt. George Malouf, infantry squad leader from Hingham, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, uses binoculars to watch the surrounding area during the IFTAR Aug. 27, in the Qara Bagh District, Afghanistan. These soldiers are providing security while the IFTAR takes place. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Jeremiah Lopez, infantry member from Saugus, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, uses binoculars to watch the surrounding area during the IFTAR Aug. 27, in the Qara Bagh District, Afghanistan. Sgt. Lopez provides security while the IFTAR takes place. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Paul Cruwys, infantry member from Rochester, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, pets a local dog during the IFTAR Aug. 27, in the Qara Bagh District, Afghanistan. Sgt. Cruwys provided security while the IFTAR takes place. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

 GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army 1^st Lt. Robert Mulhern, infantry leader from South Boston, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, and U.S. Army Spc. Roger Pilat, infantry member from Dedham, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, surveys the damage done to a building during the IFTAR Aug. 27, in the Qara Bagh District, Afghanistan. These soldiers are providing security while the IFTAR takes place. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

PRT Medic saves life

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Dennis Magnasco, a medic from Boston, assigned to the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, Task Force White Eagle, speaks to the owner of a pharmacy during an IFTAR visit Aug. 27, in Qara Bagh District, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. Magnasco visited local pharmacies to see the types of medical supplies available to the villagers. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Dennis Magnasco, a medic from Boston, assigned to the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, Task Force White Eagle, dresses the wound of an injured Afghan boy during an IFTAR visit Aug. 27, in Qara Bagh District, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.  (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – During a routine medical capabilities check of a local district, a Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team medic saved a young boy’s life.

After checking on the local clinic and several pharmacies during a patrol in Quara Baugh District, Afghanistan, U.S. Army Sgt. Dennis Magnasco, a medic from East Boston, Mass. assigned to Ghazni PRT, Task Force White Eagle, heard two Afghan boys had been injured and were in the local clinic.

Upon arriving at the clinic Magnasco discovered one boy had minor injuries, while the other had shrapnel in his abdomen, torso and upper arm.

“The doctor was prepared to let the boy go home, but because he was still bleeding through his bandages, I asked if I could help. The doctor agreed,” Magnasco said.

After getting permission from the local doctor, Magnasco further cleaned the wound, controlled the bleeding and gave the boy antibiotics.

“I was concerned about infection,” he said. “I gave him enough antibiotics to prevent infection for the next 24 hours.”

The medic also explained to the boy’s father how to redress the wound, and provided gauze.  For a medic used to treating infantrymen, the experience was difficult.

“It really sucked to see a little boy injured. At one point he held his hand out to me and I didn’t know what to do, so I just stood there and held his hand,” he said.  “But, I’m glad I was there, because I feel I significantly increased his chance of survival against infection.”

At the very least, he made one little boy feel better.

“It hurt a lot when (Magnasco) first saw me, but not so much now,” he said.  “Thank you.”

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Polish civilian Angela Szyszlo, subject matter expert in education assigned to the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, Task Force White Eagle, asks villagers about the supplies they will need in the new school Aug. 19, during the site assessment of the Wali Lali School in Andar District, Afghanistan. A site survey was conducted to see the location where the new school will be built and speak to the village elders. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy Petty Lt. j.g. Damall Martin, information officer from Los Angleles, Calif., assigned to Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, Task Force White Eagle, greets the local children Aug. 19, during the site assessment of the Wali Lali School in Andar District, Afghanistan. A site assessment was conducted to see the location where the new school will be built and speak to the village elders. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

 GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team look at the current school during a site assessment of the Wali Lali School Aug. 19 in Andar District, Afghanistan. A site assessment was conducted to see the location where the new school will be built and speak to the village elders. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

 GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of Civil Engineers speak with the village elders Aug. 19, during a site assessment of the Wali Lali School in Andar District, Afghanistan. A site assessment was conducted to see the location where the new school will be built and speak to the village elders. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy Petty LT. j.g. Damall Martin, information officer from Los Angeles, Calif., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, looks at the site for the new Wali Lali school while U.S. Army Spc. Staff Sgt. Randy Dull, squad leader from Edgartown, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, provides security Aug. 19, during the site assessment of the Wali Lali School in Andar District, Afghanistan. A site assessment was conducted to see the location where the new school will be built and speak to the village elders. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

PRT works with village to build school

Written by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs 

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team members and civil engineers conducted a shura with the Andar District subgovernor and village elders to ensure the completion of the Wali Lali school project. 

PRT leadership asked for the shura because little progress was being made on the school, due to a disagreement between the contractor and village elders.  They conducted a small engagement with the village elders to see how they felt about building the school and what it would take to get the project back on track.

“Right now it isn’t a good place to learn and not a lot of kids go to school because there is no school.  When we have that school more kids will go to school and the learning standards will get better,” said Ahmdzig, a Wali Lali village school teacher.

After the engagement, the village elders said they supported the project and were willing to work to get it restarted.

“We have no problems with a school being built here,” said a village elder. “This will be good for our village and good for the children.”

With the children in mind, the team from Forward Operating Base Ghazni said they were happy with the outcome.

 “The only thing we didn’t have was the contractors there to actually meet with the villagers but hopefully soon we will be able to get both sides in contact with one another,” said Mr. Bill Anderson, engineering technician with U. S. Army Corps of Engineering. “If everyone does as they said they would, then the two sides should be getting together soon and the project should resume.”

FET visits women's prison

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy Petty Officer Mary Holcomb, from east Texas, assigned to the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, Task Force White Eagle, holds a toddler while listening to the mother during an Aug. 18 Female Engagement Team visit to a women’s prison in Ghazni. The team evaluated the living standards and access to legal services. They confirmed both the female Provincial Council member and the Department of Women Affairs were engaged with the women at the prison. (Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Rebekah Frost, Agricultural Development Team)

 

FOB donates blood, saves life

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Reynaldo Reyes, physician assistant from San Diego, Calif., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, sticks a needle into the arm of U.S. Army Spc. Jorge Enriquez, machine gunner from Rockland, Mass., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni, Task Force White Eagle, during whole blood drive Aug. 17, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan. The base asked all A positive blood members to donate blood for a surgical patient. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Hector Lara, combat medic from Pasadena, Calif., sticks a needle into the arm of a blood donor during whole blood drive Aug. 17, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan. The base asked all A positive blood members to donate blood for a surgical patient. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan - For the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen on Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Aug 17 began with an e-mail, or knock on the door, saying someone needs A positive blood, go to the provincial reconstruction team’s area immediately.

For the patient, it began when he was shot in the abdomen between his protective plates.  The bullet damaged his small bowel, right kidney, inferior vena cava, and large bowel.  He was put on a medevac to FOB Ghazni’s foward surgical team.

Once in the operating room, the surgical team realized the patient needed whole blood, and put out the call for whole blood donors.

“Whole blood is only good for 24-hours, so we can’t store it,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rewa Price, from Harrisburg, Pa. assigned to FST, Task Force White Eagle, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of advanced trauma.  “We only initiate the whole blood drive when we need it.”

FOB Ghazni has a “walking blood bank” – 186 Americans who have been pre-screened for blood donation, ready to donate when asked.

In fact, according to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Megan Cotter, from Staten Island, N.Y. assigned to FST, Task Force White Eagle, NCOIC of blood bank and laboratory, the surgical team was able to give the first unit of whole blood within 30 minutes of the patient arriving in the operating room.

“It was pretty quick,” she said. “We had donors within 10 minutes of making the call.”

The whole blood is important, because, though they gave the patient 10 units of packed red blood cells, 10 units of fresh frozen plasma and factor 7, they have no platelets at the FST.

“We need the whole blood because it has every component to save life,” said Price. “When you’re bleeding, you’re bleeding whole blood.  That’s why it’s the best thing to replenish the patient with. You can instantly see it in the patient’s vital signs.”

During the blood drive, medical personnel from throughout the FOB collected 26 units of whole blood, 14 of which were given to the patient in the operating room.

“We essentially replenished his entire blood supply, saving his life,” said Price. “Additionally, we always collect extra units in case we need to infuse the patient with more blood. We also send it to [Bagram Air Base] with the patient in case they need it.”

The blood was donated by 26 servicemembers from almost every unit on the base, with tens still waiting outside to donate if needed.

“There is no doubt the blood drive saved his life,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Gregory Stuart, from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. assigned to FST, Task Force White Eagle, operating room NCOIC, who assisted with the surgery.

Ghazni Spartans receive medals

 Lt. Omundson receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

SFC Leon receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Gen. Allen visits Ghazni, listens to leaders

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Marine Gen. John Allen, International Security Assistance Force commander, listens to Ghazni Provincial Gov. Musa Khan during his visit to the province Aug. 15, at the Ghazni Governor Office. During this meeting the governor told the general what support was needed in his area including help with illiteracy, employment and security. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)