Members of the military are still required to take an exam demonstrating knowledge of U.S. govt and history, and undergo an interview with an Immigration and Naturalization Service agent. Prior to these events, a background check and fingerprinting are also done.
Santos admitted, “I was a little nervous because I didn’t know what to expect, but the people in Kandahar were really nice. I went there a little early to study the questions. The test was pretty easy; I knew most of it already from college.” I’m happy,” he added, “and now I’m out here serving my country.” Santos, who is studying Business Administration and Accounting, was 3 years into his college career, when he was called upon by his Army NG unit to serve on this deployment.To ease the concerns of the local populace, PRT engrs, led by project mgr. Navy Cmdr. Lise Pederson visited the construction site weekly to ensure that the contractor adhered to the statement of work, and demonstrated appropriate construction quality.
"The contractor was very receptive to our input," Pederson said, "and made all the required corrections in a timely manner". As far as addressing the local Afghan’s specific concerns as to whether the bridge, which was damaged while under construction during the floods, could withstand future flood waters, Pederson said that special attention was given to strengthening the bridge to avoid future mishaps. “The contractor reinforced 2 of the bridge supports and the west side abutment, where the bridge connects to land, that was damaged during the flood,” Pederson said. “USACE structural engrs. reviewed the plans and our field notes, to determine the capacity and safety of the bridge,” she continued, "and found it to be structurally sound." PRT Cmdr., Navy Cmdr. Brian Goss, acutely aware of the prevailing concerns with the quality of the bridge, reassured the residents of Sarkani and Narang, during an interview with Afghan media at the bridge site. “I'm aware of the problems in the past with the bridges of Kunar,” Goss said, “but my engrs. and I, along with the engrs. from your Afghan govt, our partners, have worked hard to ensure that this bridge is strong, its quality is good, and will be here for you to benefit from for many years to come.” “I want to thank the PRT for all their hard work,” said Kunar Gov. Wahidi after the ribbon-cutting. “This new bridge is a strong symbol of progress in Kunar. It will help bring the people of Kunar together and closer to their govt.”“I focus on studying what causes disease among populations,” Galazin said. “Preventative medicine is the most effective and least expensive way to prevent disease.” Galazin discussed the identification of diseases through assessing a patient’s symptoms and susceptibility, as well as treatment options. She emphasized the importance of basic sanitary habits like hand-washing, wearing clean clothes, vaccinating children and brushing teeth. “By changing behavior, you’re going to decrease respiratory illness among your population,” Galazin told the doctors.
Navy Chief Petty Officer Doug Thompson, PRT medical NCO-in-charge, tailors each session to take on a provincial-perspective. “We’re trying to get them to look at public health for all of Paktika, not just the one patient,” Thompson said. “Afghan doctors don’t have regular medical conferences to attend, like we do in America.”
The sessions provide 2-way communication between CF medical professionals and their Afghan medical counterparts, so the PRT knows exactly what type of training to provide. “What they’re going through right now is what we learned in the U.S. in the 1800s,” Thompson explained. “We’re teaching them personal hygiene and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) education we take for granted in the U.S.”
Thompson said he was particularly pleased with the turnout at this training session, because it was twice the normal attendance, and, in addition to the Sharana doctors, it included doctors from the Urgun and Sar Hawza Districts.
According to the World Health Organization website, average life expectancy in Afghanistan is 48 years old, and 23% of children die before reaching the age of 5. Thompson said that premature deaths are primarily caused by preventable diseases like dysentery and dehydration.
“Hopefully the doctors will pass on what they learn to the whole prov., so that the mortality rate will go down,” Thompson explained. “If we can break the trends and prevent disease with standard education, then everybody gets better and the culture will thrive.”
BAGHDAD — The 212th “Dragoon” MP Co has arrived in theater, and has completed a transfer of authority with the 94th MP Co, taking over MP responsibilities in the Baghdad area. The 212th recently relocated from Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Germany to Fort Bliss, Texas, and became part of the 93rd MP Bn, 89th MP Bde, III Corps. Soldiers with the unit the 212th is replacing, the 94th MP Co, welcomed the Dragoon soldiers, spending long hours and late nights ensuring that the newcomers understood the area of ops, the mission, and the key personnel in the STB. “It’s important to set the incoming soldiers up for success, and to take pride in the missions we're handing off, in hopes that our pride will become their pride, since the Army is one team and one fight,” said Master Sgt. Roy Moweary, ops sgt with the 94th.“The 94th MP Co has set the bar high in Baghdad,” said 1st Sgt. Edward Henderson, 1st sgt of the 212th. “The 212th MP Company will not ruin their reputation or efforts, and will excel at all the upcoming missions entrusted to the soldiers of this company.” “This is your home now, and these are your missions,” Moweary advised the incoming Dragoon soldiers. “Take pride in the mission, promote teamwork within the unit, and the missions will be successful.”Capt. Vanessa Diez, cmdr. of the 212th, said that while some of her soldiers are inexperienced in deployed environments, their training and determination will carry them through. “This is the first deployment for more than half of my soldiers, but I know the Dragoons’ overwhelming drive to achieve victory, will motivate the entire company to work towards perfection,” she said. “The STB has high expectations for the 212th, following the success of the 94th MP Co in Baghdad,” said Lt. Col. Shilisa Geter, cmdr. of STB. “The bn. believes the 212th will rise to meet the challenge ahead, and re-deploy as a part of the Dagger family.”