Programs & Events
Marines, sailors, and Cambodian health providers work together in Kampong Speu
Kompong Speu Province
August 29th, 2009
Over a two day period, U.S. marines and sailors worked alongside Cambodian health care providers to give medical attention to rural citizens gathered in Kampong Speu Province. The local villagers had gathered for the medical staff on August 22nd at the Pechmony Health Center and on August 23rd at the Veal Ang Porpel Health Center. The marines and sailors are in country and working in small scale Medical Civic Assistance Projects as part of Cambodia Interoperability Program.
The marines, sailors and Cambodian medical personnel worked together to build trust among the people and to learn from each other while providing free medical attention to people in the region. “We came out here to build two health centers for the community,” said 1st Lt. Ashley B. Christman, the Officer in Charge of the Marine detachment from Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. “We want the people to take advantage of what we have made for them. Our mission is to build trust among the community and the government. By working together with the Royal Cambodia Armed Forces and the Cambodian medical staff, we can show the people that we are here for them.”
The medical team examined patients and provided free medication and vitamin supplements if needed. Together, both the U.S. sailor and Cambodian medical staff saw more than 250 patients throughout the two days of the project.
