PACAF medical team provides care to Thais

  • Published
  • By Capt. Renee Lee
  • Cope Tiger Public Affairs
KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR BASE, Thailand --  A medical team from Pacific Air Forces provided medical and dental care to about 150 Thai men, women and children in a rural community outside of Korat, Thailand Jan. 29.

The medical mission was the first of two Medical Civic Action Progams (MEDCAP) missions, led by the 13th Air Force Office of the Surgeon General, and is a part of Exercise Cope Tiger every year.

The MEDCAP team comprises 15 PACAF Airmen from various medical fields, including optometry, public health and dentistry. The Airmen on this team are from Misawa Air Base, Kadena Air Base, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Eielson Air Force Base, and Hickam Air Force Base.

The team, combined with medical teams from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force, set base at Ban Don Phawa School and treated people of all ages who usually don't have access to care. Many of them come from miles away to receive the free medical care, said Master Sgt. Siamrad Maher, public health technician from Hickam.

Some common problems the MEDCAP teams treated included fractured teeth, cavities and poor vision.

"It's the same things we see at home, but more extreme cases," said Capt. Wesley Kinerk, optometrist from Misawa. "Ten minutes and a pair of glasses can make someone's life much better. We can do a lot of good in a short amount of time."

Medical personnel from the RTAF selected the communities based on where medical and dental care are most needed and what capabilities each country can provide.

"I like the opportunity because we (the three countries) work together," said Maj. Randy Ival, chief of contingency operations and plans, 13th AF Office of the Surgeon General, and the lead planner for the MEDCAP missions. "We save and better people's lives. It's not experience you're going to get anywhere."

"It's the best experience in my Air Force career," Sergeant Maher said.

The humanitarian mission is just one of several during Exercise Cope Tiger 2008. Other humanitarian missions will occur this week, including another MEDACP mission, a donation of school equipment to a local school and a cultural exchange between the U.S. Air Force and students from the local area.