An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Article Display

Making a difference: McGuire Airman strives to make the most of her time in Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danielle Johnson
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Shock.

It's an emotion that Senior Airman Felicita Torres-Perkins mentioned feeling more than once after volunteering for a deployment to Zabul Province in Southeast Afghanistan.

The wife and mother of a 2 year-old left behind her duties as an aerospace medical service journeyman with the 305th Medical Group Ambulance Services to join the provincial reconstruction team in their fight to improve medical treatment and a lack of basic necessities such as food and clean water in a country on the other side of the world.

"It definitely was a culture shock," said Airman Perkins. "The Afghan people live in mud huts, use the bathroom outside and take baths in rivers and creeks. To me, it was like going back a couple of centuries."

Airman Perkins said that the culture shock was one of the biggest challenges she has faced during her seven months on the PRT.

"The women wear burkas, which are veils for the body with a window only for the eyes and there were not any girls' schools here," she explained. "I always wear a scarf to show that I respect their culture, and they come to me very openly when they see that I am wearing a scarf."

As the only female medic in the Zabul PRT, her duties range from daily sick call to combat medic on missions. She also provides treatment to women and children with the advice of a doctor since Afghan women are not allowed to see male American doctors and medics. Airman Perkins is also involved with several other programs that the PRT has instituted, such as a midwife program for the local women, a malnutrition supplement for malnourished children, a clean water program and a Combat Life Saver Class for U.S. and coalition forces. She also teaches First Aid and Self Buddy Care to Afghan national police and the Afghan National Army.

"The teamwork and team members we have are amazing," said Airman Perkins, who is scheduled to return to McGuire sometime in November or December. "The most rewarding part of the PRT I would say is helping the people."

The young mother continued by describing an experience that really affected her.

"I was treating a young child and the child was so unhealthy - skin and bones," she said. "The mother couldn't produce milk and the child couldn't tolerate goat or cow milk. When I looked at the child, the child looked up at me and was sucking his boney little finger. I did everything I could for this child ... if it was my child and I went to someone I would hope they would help me."

"Sometimes you have patients that your whole heart goes out to," Airman Perkins said. "I feel like I'm only here for a short time, so I might as well try my best to make a difference."

This deployment - which is Airman Perkins' first - has made a lasting impression on her and changed her perspective in life.

"I am truly grateful for everything I have and I don't take anything for granted," she said. "Being inside and outside the wire, it makes you think about the way you live life and the sacrifices your make - not just for yourself or for your family, but for your team, your co-workers and your country."