Air Force Medical Team Performs Goodwill Mission In Thailand
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Society -> subcategory Politics.
Air Force Medical Team Embarks on Goodwill Mission in Thailand
Summary
While mainstream media often highlights negative military news, stories like these showcase the positive contributions of the military. The Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines regularly engage in humanitarian missions around the world, many of which go unreported.Article
A United States Air Force medical and dental team, alongside members of the Royal Thai Air Force, conducted a humanitarian mission at Thairat 72 School in Udon Thani on February 6, 2007.
This initiative marked the second civil-action project and the first one in northern Thailand as part of Exercise Cope Tiger 2007. Cope Tiger is an annual joint exercise between Thailand and the US, often referred to as war games but primarily focused on joint training and humanitarian assistance.
According to Royal Thai Air Force Capt. Mathin Piyaamornmatha, the local people often lack access to medicine due to their remote location and limited financial resources. "Today, they see that the U.S. is friendly, and they have a chance to receive medicine," he noted.
Beyond medical aid, the event also treated students and community members to foot massages, haircuts, a concert by the Royal Thai Air Force's 23rd Wing, and a takraw demonstration?"a sport resembling a mix of volleyball and soccer. Amid these activities, U.S. Air Force medical teams from Japan conducted dental and eye exams.
"We have the chance to relieve a small child from pain, allowing them to focus on learning," said Capt. Alan Neal from the 35th Dental Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Captain Neal emphasized that the mission extends beyond dental care; it's about building a relationship of trust.
"This is an opportunity for the Thais to see the type of people that constitute the American military," explained Senior Airman Joseph Reed, a satellite technician with the 18th Communications Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan. "We hope they realize that people from around the world care about them and their future."
"This experience could inspire some to pursue careers in dentistry or further their education," added Captain Neal.
"This mission was eye-opening," commented Senior Airman Hilary Easkin, a dental assistant from the 35th Dental Squadron at Misawa AB. "I gained a deeper appreciation for our work and our ability to help others. They were grateful for our assistance, and we were thankful for their hospitality and the chance to help."
Lt. Col. Michael Akiona, the 13th Air Expeditionary Group commander and KC-135 detachment commander, highlighted that the gifts to the school were tokens of friendship between Thailand and the United States. "We look forward to Cope Tiger to renew our friendship," he said.
For those who have participated in missions like this, the experience is often more rewarding for the volunteers than for the recipients.
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