Veterinary care helps build relations with nomadic tribe

Published Oct. 28, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
U.S. AFCENT News Team

QALAT, Afghanistan -- Airmen and Soldiers from the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team recently vaccinated hundreds of animals in preparation for the long, hard Afghan winter.

For Afghanistan's nomadic Kuchi tribes, diseases spreading through livestock herds could have devastating effects on their livelihood. In a region where the average income is less than a dollar a day, the PRT's veterinary civil assistance patrol not only strengthened the herds, it strengthened relations with the tribesmen.

The PRT members met the Kuchis soon after arriving in Qalat near their forward operating base. After meeting and learning more about the tribe, they quickly realized their assistance was needed.

"We identified them as 'at risk' people, and they are the poorest people in Afghanistan," said Army Spc. Don DeBardelaben, PRT civil affairs specialist and Kuchi tribal coordinator.

The PRT soon began delivering humanitarian assistance to Mohammad Rasul, Kuchi line director, to begin building their relationship with the tribe.

"I started talking with Mohammad and gave him humanitarian aid -- a weekly drop of mainly winter stuff," said the native of Conroe, Texas. "The aid warmed people up [to the idea of working with the PRT], because it was an immediate result they could see."

The PRT Commander, Air Force Lt. Col. Bryce Brakeman, said he had full confidence that the young Soldier could handle such an importance task in building relations with the Kuchis.

"I have all kinds of confidence in him. I don't see much of a difference between some of our E-4s and our officers when it comes to working with the Afghans," said the colonel deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. "A lot of it has to do with being a good listener more than it does directing. They can listen to what the local's problems and issues are and come back with possible solutions; their rank does not matter."

In August, the PRT hosted a veterinarian and soon began helping the Kuchis by establishing a series of veterinarian civil assistance patrols to vaccinate the tribe's livestock.

At first, the Kuchis were hesitant to have their animals treated, according to Specialist DeBardelaben. "They were really scared," he said. "They told us the coalition has not seen them in eight years."

Tribe members eventually overcame their initial reluctance and took advantage of the free vaccinations; by the end of the VETCAP, more than 200 animals were treated.

Two months later, the PRT hosted a two-day VETCAP. The first day, Army Maj. Dana McDaniel, doctor, cooperative medical assistance veterinarian, and her team vaccinated more than 200 animals. The team planned to set up operations at another location the second day, but director Rasul asked them to return to the same site.

"Mohammad said, 'Hey, word is spreading; you guys are popular now. Everyone saw what you did, and they went and told all of their friends. Hundreds of animals are going to come; you should stay in Qalat'," Specialist DeBardelaben said. "We said, 'Ok, we will be at the same place tomorrow morning.' We showed up, and there were literally a thousand sheep and goats in the streets waiting for us."

Due to the overwhelming turnout, the veterinarians enlisted the aid of fellow service members. Air Force Staff Sgt. Don Elias, PRT force protection NCOIC, stepped up to help wrangle and treat animals.

"Being a guy from a city who has never worked with livestock, this was quite interesting," said the sergeant deployed from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. "It was a great experience. Working with the PRT and the local population, I feel like I am part of something bigger."

The sergeant said he feels working with locals has been the most rewarding part of his deployment.

"It's a good opportunity, because it gives you a chance to look at the big picture," said the native of Buffalo, N.Y. "To actually go out and see a world beyond the flightline is an experience like no other. To meet people and speak their language not only gives the people a sense of hope, but it makes a humbling experience. I really enjoyed this opportunity."

Dr. McDaniel also recognizes her job allows her to do more than treat animals - it helps build relationships.

"In this particular situation, with the Kuchis, it is important to build trust," said the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine graduate. "They tend to keep to themselves, and this is a good opportunity for them to see that there are others here to help them. We can keep the Kuchi from needing support from the Taliban."

The veterinarian team trained a handful of Kuchis the procedures to vaccinate their animals before the VETCAP came to an end. They left them with medicine to treat another 1,000 animals.

"Everyone was happy," said Specialist DeBardelaben, who graduated from Caney Creek High School. "Kuchi men I would see before who did not want to shake my hand or talk to me, are now coming up and shaking my hand saying 'thank you.' This is going to open the door for future operations."