Tanzania: Texas Army National Guard Soldiers work with Tanzanian People's Defense Forces medical professionals

Story by Army Staff Sgt. Malcolm McClendon

Task Force Raptor

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (6/20/12) – Two soldiers from two different continents share one common goal: taking care of their fellow service members.

Tanzania People’s Defense Force medical professional, Pvt. Baltazary Ambrose Mroso, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Miles Bizzell, clinic non-commissioned officer in charge, and Spc. Joshua Morgan, medic, Task Force Raptor, 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, came together to share best medical practices in a combat casualty care exchange here, May 21 – June 8.

The exchange was broken up into two parts over two weeks. The first week involved a discussion between military medical professionals, followed by sharing of information gathered from meeting with Tanzanian infantry soldiers.

Bizzell was impressed by the level of participation and involvement displayed by the Tanzanians.

“I remember the Tanzanian soldiers being very attentive as we shared our medical skills with them,” Bizzell said. “They had great questions and soaked up all the information. They would even come up to us in between sessions to continue the discussion; we almost had to force them to go on break.”

Mroso, grateful for the exchange, compared the meeting to his favorite sport.

“I’m very proud to be able to participate and bring my experience to this meeting between medics from two great countries,” Mroso said. “If this were a soccer match, it could be compared to Manchester United and Barcelona Football Club coming together and displaying their best abilities.”

The binational union of the medical professionals concluded with the certification of more than 40 Tanzanian infantry soldiers in basic combat casualty care skills ― one more professional achievement Bizzell will value the rest of his life.

“I have taught many U.S. soldiers before, but to be here in Africa, working with fellow medical professionals is a great experience,” Bizzell said. “It’s also very encouraging to know that military medics like me are the same no matter what country we’re from. We care for the health and welfare of our soldiers and will do our best to bring them home safely.”