Independence Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan Opens with Many Needs (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
"We're finally getting to fruition on this project which is making a 450-bed hospital usable again." This story was originally published by this agency November 30th, 2006. Salem-News was the first local agency to send a reporter to Afghanistan.

Colonel Jim Lyman with a brand new citizen of Kabul. Photo by: Tim King

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - A shipment of 300 gallons of Miller paint from the U.S. marked the beginning of a hospital restoration project in Kabul, Afghanistan this year. The project is already starting to reopen parts of the facility, and as Tim King reports, the time donated by U.S. troops is without question, winning the hearts and minds of the people in this war-torn city.

U.S. troops in Afghanistan have taken on a number of projects with their spare time, and one that is close to the hearts of many is the restoration of Independence Hospital in downtown Kabul.

Master Sgt. Don Weber of the Oregon Guard says the name is consistent with the mission of the people stationed here, "Over here there's twenty percent of the kids die before they're five years old."

Colonel Jim Lyman of the Kabul Military Training Center said, "The Afghanistan healthcare and hospitals need all the help that they can get,” every bit of assistance goes a long way amid Kabul's poverty and strained infrastructure.

Master Sgt Don Weber added, “They told me that in their maternity center they've had times when they were so busy they've had women giving birth two to a bed."

The hospital is a place where people of all ages seek medical care, and one of the few locations where women give birth with the assistance of doctors and midwives.

Oregon National Guard soldiers like Major Kimberly Evers were joined by members of the Air Force and Navy who all chose to help out on a day when many relax.

Major Kimberly Evers said, "We don't get to see the children very often and we want to make an impact and we want to make a difference."

“Even though it's our day off and we are supposed to be relaxing, I wanted to spend my day on something with a purpose and this definitely has great purpose," Lisa Quilas said.

Oregon Guard Major Arnold Strong and other officers worked side by side with enlisted personnel in cleaning and renovating the hospital's neo-natal facility.

"We're finally getting to fruition on this project which is making a 450-bed hospital usable again."

By the end of the afternoon, visible improvements were taking shape. It was clear that the intensity of these soldiers, sailors and airmen was making a difference.

Salma Seraj, of Tomorrow's Women and Children of Afghanistan (TWCA) pointed out that their hospital can use almost everything. “Many American hospitals probably have things that would be useful to us, that they don’t need.” Bandages for burn victims and clean sheets would be a good start.

Watch the Streaming Video News Report below, direct from Kabul, Afghanistan by Tim King: Video

If you are interested in sponsoring a special report, direct from the 41st Combat Brigade at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan, email: bonnie@salem-news.com DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN "SUPPORT GROUP" Love Boxes sponsor of special report, and fantastic support group for all of our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Send a Love Box: http://www.loveboxesforourtroops.com Salem Police provided body armor, military rainproof clothing and other small materials from their SWAT team that will make a big difference for Tim's level of safety. Eola Hills Winery hosted a winetasting fundraiser on October 13th. Special thanks goes to Eric Rogers, Terri & Ann. Visit Eola Hills at http://eolahills.com McDonalds Restaurants of Salem provided $1,100 toward the trip to Afghanistan. We hardly know how to thank them enough, but we know this is one organization that sees the value of bringing the stories of our Oregon soldiers home. Nopps Jewelry and Art provided a kevlar military issue helmet with a value of $250. This is greatly appreciated! You can visit their site: www.nopps.com Eric Mason of Salem provided $100 toward Tim's trip to Afghanistan. Eric and Tim formerly worked together at Portland, Oregon's ABC station. Jesse Anderson of Lincoln City provided funds to help, as did Dan and Marti Motley of Salem. One of Salem's most courageous families, David and Arlene Banks, provided $100 toward Tim's trip. Another pair of Salem heroes, Scott Smith and Margaret Sanner, provided funds to assist with Tim's Afghanistan trip. Roger Yost and Alessandro's Ristorante have provided generous assistance for the Afghanistan coverage. Camo and Gear Military Surplus in Salem contributed a pair of new military issue boots that will be ideal for use in Afghanistan. Tom Golden of Golden’s Funeral Service, Proud of the past, prepared for the future. Other supporters wish not to be named, but we appreciate them greatly, and each and every contribution makes a big difference.

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Tim King is embedded in Kabul, Afghanistan with the 41st Combat Brigade of the Oregon National Guard. See his stories several times a week here, on Salem-News.com, and on Portland’s KPTV Fox12.

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It sounds like a kinky place. They need strip Malls to make the place look civilized and Starbucks.

Albert, I couldn't agree more. This place is like a third world prehistoric zone. The saddest part is how nice it is supposed to have been before the Russian invasion. I don't hear much about STD's but there is an interesting thing here that involves close relations between men, particularly on Thursdays, no joke. It all seems to stem from the regard for women. I think LA actually makes the place look tame, though I know what you mean!

Dear Tim, Now that they know how to make babies (what an accomplishment) maybe someone can teach them about sexually transmitted diseases, birth control and abortion. Hope you are having fun in one of the many places in the world that have gone insane.....kind of like Los Angeles.

What a story. More people need to see we are really more alike on this planet when it comes to babies and general life!

A maternity ward? Did I see that right? There's got to be a story behind that too. Aren't women extremely private there? They must have freaked out! Great reporting Tim.

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