ANA takes lead, provides care for Shindand females

SHINDAND, Afghanistan (April 6, 2010) – More than 40 Afghanistan National Army soldiers and coalition forces, based in the country’s Western region, embarked on a mission to provide targeted medical care and humanitarian assistance to district neighbors in Shindand today

Soldiers from the ANA 207th Corps’ Civil Military Affairs office based out of Camp Zafar, Herat, led the civil military cooperation and medical civic assistance project at the Shindand Women’s Center. They provided assistance to more than 300 females and children that make use of facility as part of ongoing initiatives sponsored by the district’s Female Council.

“The females here work to train other females and students in Shindand,” said Ghulam Sakhi, Shindand chief of women’s session. “They address women’s issues here in the city and I’m thankful that our ANA forces and also our NATO forces provide assistance for us today.”

The ANA soldiers were accompanied by an Italian Operational Mentor and Liaison Team that supports military activities for the ANA 207th Corps and a Spanish OMLT medical team that works with garrison ANA units assigned to the corps.

According to Italian Capt. Antonello Andreottolla, OMLT mission commander, more than 1,500 pounds of food and nearly 200 blankets and school kits were provided to the females and children at the center.

“This mission is important, because through this mission and others like it we gain the trust and support of the population within the [corps’] area of operations,” said Andreottolla.

The captain continued also said his job as the OMLT mission commander was to shadow and advise the ANA-led mission, which was organized mainly by ANA Lt. Col. Ghulam Sakhi, the corps’ civil military affairs director.

With no known family ties to Mr. Sakhi, the Shindand chief of women’s session, Col. Sakhi fully understands the importance of maintaining brotherly relationships with neighboring Afghans.

“We are beside the people,” Col. Sakhi said. “Not only at the Women’s Center here in Shindand, but also in the four provinces where [the 207th Corps] has a lot of activities.”

According to attendees of the engagement and the director of the women’s session, the continued presence of the ANA makes a difference.

“We had bad security here in Shindand not too long ago,” said the director.

“Now it is better because of ANA and NATO forces. We are grateful.”