Day 386: Achievement

Today, marks my final day of mentoring duties and has been a day that has been highly anticipated by many of the Afghan medical staff. Certificate presentation day:) Afghans love, I mean LOVE, being presented with certificates of achievement. If they could wear it on their uniform I'm sure they would pin it on somewhere! It was indeed an honor to present them with a small token of appreciation for the 10 months that they have worked with me.

Attention to Award!

A Job Well Done

Looking back at the things that we've accomplished: the medical training classes, working side-by-side on trauma cases, cleaning warehouses, providing humanitarian care to the local populace, and adding improvements to the clinic facility, I can honestly say that I will be leaving behind a clinic that is better equipped to accomplish it's mission than when I first arrived.


As long as we, both Afghans and Coalition together, continue to take even small steps in the direction of progress. We will undoubtedly reach the goal of having the citizens of Afghanistan relinquish control of their country, and we will finally go home.

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things;
I will put you in charge of many things."
Matthew 25:21 NIV

Day 172: Motivation

Every Sunday, the Afghan National Army post here at Camp Parsa has "formation". This is where all the soldiers gather together and hear words of encouragement and motivation from their brigade commander, General Esrar. Today was a rather special day as certain soldiers were chosen to receive special recognition for their hard work for their country. I was especially proud that 2 of the Afghan medics that I have been training and mentoring were from the select few that were recognized today.

Center Stage at the Brigade Formation


Front of the Formation

Congratulations, Mohammad Ayub!


Congratulations, Wahid Aagha!

In the US military, we desire ribbons & medals, but in the Afghan National Army they cherish certificates. So today, a small number of selected soldiers were presented with a certificate of appreciation for the sacrifices they have made for their country. My 2 medics that received an award were beaming! This is very timely as the ANA medics that I have been working with have been expressing concerns that they do not feel appreciated by their officers and leaders which has translated into low morale. But, between my motivational pep talks and the certificates, I think we can infuse some positive energy into them yet!