PACAF reaches to Cambodia Published Jan. 22, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Grace Devera-Montano PACAF International Health Affairs HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- The Pacific Air Forces International Health Specialist team left here Jan. 9 for a medical mission in Cambodia to conduct a Humanitarian Civic Assistance and Subject Matter Expert Exchange. After a long ride, the team arrived in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, two days later and met with U.S. Embassy personnel to in-process before continuing with their mission. The IHS team departed Phnom Penh by bus to a small town called Snoul. By leaving the capital, they left the luxury and convenience of city life and dove into a small provincial village where foreigners are rarely seen yet welcomed with open arms. Here, they set up a small clinic with capabilities such as family practice, optometry, women's health and dentistry. The team consisting of personnel from the Air Force and Navy (with Army to follow) treated nearly 400 patients during their first two clinic days. "I feel privileged to be able to lead such a fine team of medics in a joint service environment," said team leader Lt. Col. Diep Duong, an Air Force nurse assigned to the PACAF International Health Affairs Division. "Here it doesn't matter what uniform you wear. Together, we represent the U.S. military in winning hearts and minds and making a difference in the lives of the indigenous population here in Cambodia." The team will work at different sites to spread medical assistance throughout the country.