Kandahar Air Wing leaders examine new NATO hospital Published June 18, 2010 By Capt. Robert Leese 438th Air Expeditionary Wing KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Maj. Gen. Abdul Raziq Sherzai, Kandahar Air Wing Commander, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yousuf, KAW Vice Commander and Command Sgt. Major Mohammad Hassan, KAW Senior Enlisted Advisor, recently toured the newly improved NATO Role III Hospital at Kandahar Airfield. The Hospital Commander, U.S. Navy Capt. Darin Zia gave a tour to commanders to showcase their new capabilities. In addition to a state-of-the-art trauma center and operating suites, the hospital has a CT scanner and a thirty percent increase in bed spaces from the old hospital. While American, British, Canadian and Dutch doctors and nurses work there, the Role III Hospital serves more than just NATO personnel injured by insurgent activities in the southern part of Afghanistan. Though the priority is Coalition personnel and Afghan National Security Forces, other Afghans can be treated depending on workload. During the tour, Maj. Gen. Sherzai met with a 6-year old Pashtun girl from Helmand injured by an insurgent IED which killed her brother and sister and later visited three injured Afghan interpreters serving with NATO personnel. Gen. Sherzai expressed interest in the Afghans' recovery and reintegration after leaving the hospital. He was very impressed by the hospital and noted NATO's investment in the facilities, equipment and the dedication of the medical personnel demonstrates that Coalition is very concerned about doing the best it can to save lives. He expressed an indebtedness to the NATO caregivers and his pride in working with those who would provide equally good care to injured Afghans as well as Coalition personnel. He summed up his feelings by saying "It does not matter what tribe you are from, when you are here (at the Role III Hospital) because of your service, we are all Afghans." Gen. Yousuf and Command Sgt. Major Hassan were also deeply impressed by the capabilities and willingness of the Coalition to treat everyone. They explained that they had toured Afghan National Army Kandahar Regional Medical Center about a year ago. They were impressed then with NATO's effort to teach Afghan medical caregivers and expressed hope that one day soon, the Afghan government will have medical treatment facilities comparable to the NATO Role III Hospital for Afghans throughout their country. This key leader engagement demonstrates solidarity and appreciation for NATO's efforts and the Coalition's sacrifices to help provide for the safety and security of all Afghans - no matter what tribe or country they call home.