Service members assigned to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade teamed up with members of the Philippine Marine Corps and local health professionals to conduct a two-day medical civil action project during Amphibious Landing Exercise 2012 here, Oct. 17-18.
The event was conducted to help build interoperability between the Philippine and U.S militaries, while allowing members of the local community to be seen by medical and dental professionals.
“It is a good opportunity to come out and give health care to people that do not always have it,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Raymond Posey, officer-in-charge of medical stability operations for 3rd Medical Battalion.
During this civil action project, over 1,000 locals were treated and prescribed medication. Others had the opportunity to attend classes on nutrition and sanitation.
“It’s not about what you have, it’s about what you give,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Vernon E. Searcy, a pharmacy technician for the project. “We have resources that they do not and it is good to be able to help provide some of those resources to the community.”
This training was a good way to help those less fortunate, according to Vhey Dirian, a patient at the MEDCAP.
“A lot of people here are poor and cannot afford to buy medicine,” she said. “It is important to me that our government cares enough to help us because most of us can not afford this on our own.”
This event is also important because its helps the Philippine Marines become familiar with their U.S. counterparts.
“We are not only doing this event to benefit the community members, but it also helps build interoperability and allows us to train together,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Darryl Arfsten, a health service support professional for 3rd MEB. “This way if there is ever an emergency we have already worked together and we will know what to expect.”
MEDCAPs like this one are one of the cornerstones to exercises like PHIBLEX, according to Brig. Gen. Eugene N. Clemen, the commandant for Philippine Marine Corps.
“Some of the highlights for this year are the medical, dental and engineering projects,” he said. “The relationship between the military and the civilian community will also be brought to greater heights, as community relations activities will be conducted in several areas.”
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