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Marauders educate host nation youth about sports medicine

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jared Marquis
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group taught muscle development and running mechanics to host nation athletes, physicians and other medical personnel here Dec. 16, 2014.

This is the second time Marauders lectured for a sports medicine seminar in support of the Public Authority for Youth Sports here.

“The goal is to train athletes, physical therapists, trainers, referees and physicians on sports medicine topics,” said Capt. (Dr.) Jonathan Bassett, 386th EMDG staff physician, who lectured on muscle development.

The first seminar in June focused on sports and performance nutrition. The 386 EMDG hopes these opportunities will continue in the future.

“This opportunity is very important,” said Bassett, who also lectured during the first visit. “One of our priorities here is to get involved with the youth so that we can strengthen those relationships.

The second lecture of the evening was taught by Capt. Latasha Westfall, 386th EMDG registered nurse.

“I taught the biomechanics of running, which included key pointers on how to run more efficiently and safely and to reduce or prevent injuries,” she said.

Westfall said she decided on the subject because as a runner, she understands the importance of proper running mechanics.

The class members were engaged and interested in the lectures and asked questions regularly, which Bassett and Westfall said showed how appreciative the attendees were to participate.

“They seemed genuinely excited,” Bassett said. “They had a lot of questions, and they really seemed to enjoy our time with them. Likewise, we really enjoyed spending some time with them.”

Following the lectures, the attendees requested pictures with the Airmen, and the staff discussed details on conducting a third lecture in the near future. The hope, said Bassett, is that this will be a long-term partnership.