Liberty medic travels to Liberia to spread knowledge

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. J. LaVoie
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Senior Master Sgt. Marvin Howell, IV, 48th Medical Group Maternal Child Flight chief, traveled to Liberia in June as part of a five-year program, to provide care for Liberian Forces and training to Liberian medic.

"We are one year into a five year program to build from scratch the 'new' Armed Forces of Liberia," he said. "We will deliver the Liberian government a well trained to U.S. standards professional infantry army 2000-soldiers strong. I am proud to be a part of it. This TDY will positively be the capstone to my Air Force career. The vetting process during the recruiting phase is ensuring only the best and brightest are selected. This group of young people are the most enthusiastic I've had the opportunity to work with."

Sergeant Howell is a medical mentor for the Armed Forces of Liberia. He, along with two other trainers, supervises 19 Liberian medics. As trainers, they schedule and coordinate sustainment training and conduct sick-call for more than 600 soldiers. He has also arranged for the 19 medics to get experience with a local civilian hospital.

"My arrival here has transitioned their training from book to practical experience or hands-on on the job training," he said. "[They are] working and gaining experience in adult and pediatric in-patient care, [obstetrics and gynecology] and [labor and delivery], outpatient clinic and most importantly the emergency department, where they see a lot of trauma and endemic illnesses."

The medics will use their skills next month when an additional 500 recruits graduate basic training and report to their base. Additionally, family housing will open further increasing the population the medic's are responsible for.

"The base is a 20 to 30 minute drive to the nearest hospital and there is no public or private emergency medical response system," said Sergeant Howell. "The medics have to be prepared for anything that may come their way from trauma, to illness, child birth, to black mamba snack bites. They are very smart, hard working and anxious to do good things for themselves, their people, and their country."

Sergeant Howell hopes to continue making progress. He is currently preparing for a new initial medic class that will take place after he leaves. He is also working to transfer medical books RAF Lakenheath no longer use to the Liberian medics.

"I feel these soldiers, including the medics, will help make a positive difference for Liberia," he said. "That is why I feel this TDY will be the capstone to my Air Force career. Opportunities to make a difference of this magnitude do not come around often."