Lending a helping hand

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – After a three-month trip that began in the United States June 3, a 40-foot-long container of medical equipment, toys, pediatric equipment and clothing reached its destination.

The containers’ contents were distributed throughout the country to orphanages, schools and hospitals to be used for direct care and training aids.

The items in the containers were donated by multiple organizations from the United States. They donated them to help improve the quality of life for people of Afghanistan.

“[This] gives them access to equipment they otherwise would never have,” said U.S. Army Maj. Michael Todd Simpson, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion health sector development chief and division veterinarian here, and a native of Longview, Texas. “They are already collecting items in bulk to send over for the next distribution.”

The supplies were sent to the Kabul Medical University’s rebuilt Aliabad Teaching Hospital, the Afghan Women’s Education Center in Kabul, Kandahar Hospital’s Herat Medical School, the Korean and Egyptian Hospitals here, the 404th CA Bn. here and 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Headquarters and Service Company in Marjah, Afghanistan.

Even if only one life was saved from this equipment, it will be a success, Simpson said.

Two of the containers will to stay in Kabul. The shipment that came to Bagram will be distributed to other parts of the country.

“A lot of people tried to do a lot of good, and hopefully the people who receive the goods will be able to do some good with it,” said U.S. Army Capt. Pam A. Parker, a public health officer and physicians assistant with 404th CA Bn., and a native of Plymouth Meeting, Pa. “Anything that we can give them is going to help.”

Spirit of America, which is a nonprofit organization in the United States, and Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s family were among many who paid for the equipment to be shipped here.

Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital and the Children’s Hope Network, both nonprofit organizations operating out of the Milwaukee, Wis., area, were among many of the donors.

The Afghan National Air Force is scheduled to fly a pallet of goods to Marjah, Afghanistan, for the Marines in Regional Command-Southwest to distribute throughout the area.

“Any time we are able to ease the burden of the Afghans is a win. It only strengthens the winning of hearts and minds,” Simpson said.