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.”