by Air Force Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz, ISAF
KABUL, Afghanistan — A group of German Army soldiers from International Security Assistance Force visited a children's hospital March 15 here.
During the visit to the Irene Salimi Childrens Hospital for Orthopedics and Surgery, the German contingent made two monetary donations in the amounts of €7,000 and €250.
According to German Air Force Capt. Frank Demmig, a military assistant, they raised the larger donation selling food, t-shirts and nonalcoholic beverages during an Oktoberfest event last year. The soldiers also sold Seppelhuete hats along with badges. The second donation came from funds raised by a chaplain's military parochial in Germany.
German Army Dr. (Maj.) Anke Siemieniec, assigned to Camp Warehouse, said the hospital will use the money to purchase an operating table lamp and a new kitchen.
"Certainly the money won't be enough, but will help contribute to these efforts," she said.
Siemieniec and the other soldiers toured the hospital and met the staff, including founder Irene Salimi. The soldiers also distributed school supplies and encouragement to young patients.
"This one is an absolutely honest project," Siemieniec said. "All patients are helped by highly qualified doctors and others who are extremely committed to this project. Nobody is forced to pay 'bakshish' (a small amount of money given for services rendered) for being treated in this hospital."
The visit offered the soldiers an opportunity to meet locals and help them receive world-class medical care.
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