US Marines and Sailors Bring Medical Care to Cambodian Villages

Pictures: Amerrican marines and sailors provided medical care to Cambodians at Peamkosna Temple, Stung Trung village, Kampong Cham province.

31st MEU, Cambodian military brings medical care to village

CHAM, Kingdom of Cambodia (Dec. 1, 2007) -- To cultivate long-lasting friendships with the Cambodian people, Marines and Sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), with medical staff from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, arrived to the Peamkosna Temple at Stung Trung Village with medical supplies to provide medical care for the local community here located at the east side of the Mekong River, Nov. 27-28.“We’re incorporating all of our manpower to help the people to bring basic medical care to the Cambodian people while getting to know them and building a relationship,” said Navy Lt. Javier Agraz, the Essex general medical officer.The medical staff treated approximately 3,000 patients during this medical civic action project and provided basic medical relief to the local residents.“I am very happy and welcome all of the Marines and Sailors here,” said Doem Sarot, a 27-year-old Buddhist monk from the temple. “The people who live in this village are very grateful too. The medicine has also been much help to us.”Medical care was made possible for the community through the support of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, as helicopters conducted numerous flights from the Essex to deliver the medical staff and supplies to the village.