Airmen medic comes to aid of Soldiers, Afghans

Published Dec. 5, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHOLIC, Afghanistan -- For Senior Airman Neil Murray, a combat medic with Police Mentor Team Linoma here, a normal day at the office can include calling out enemy positions to a gunner or treating life-threatening injuries.

Airman Murray, an emergency room medical technician deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., has spent the last several months as the sole medical provider for the team, including treating local members of the Afghan National Police.

"It's definitely been a challenge," Airman Murray said. "There are no physician assistants or doctors on Maholic to help me out."

Airman Murray says the work has been rewarding, not just because it allows him to help fellow servicemembers, but also because it gives him the opportunity to help the Afghan people.

"I really do feel as though I'm leaving this country a better place than when I first arrived," he said. "The local villagers I have helped really view me as a doctor and there is a lot of satisfaction in being able to help them."

Airman Murray said he recently treated an 11-year-old boy, the victim of a suicide attack, with burns over 30 percent of his body, and kept him stable until the child could be evacuated for further treatment.

Despite the rewards, Airman Murray said that his job had its share of challenges. "The hardest part is being a normal medical technician and having to make decisions that more experienced people would usually have to make," said Airman Murray. "I do a lot of research, but the most important part is knowing my limitations and being able to say 'I don't know.'"

Working alongside Soldiers has also been an educational experience for Airman Murray. He said he is grateful for the opportunity to see how tactical decisions are made and operations are conducted by his Army partners.

"I have been nothing but impressed with the Army members I work with on a daily basis," Airman Murray said. "They make sound decisions and I know they would put their neck on the line for me, as I would for them."

The Soldiers of Police Mentoring Team Linoma are also impressed with the Airmen in their midst.

"We are lucky to have him," said team member Army Sgt. Jose Cruz. "He does a lot of good work, not just for the ANP but also for us and the local population."