Soldiers of Task Force Raptor, 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, 448th and 490th Civil Affairs Battalions and other members stationed at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, facilitated a Medical Civic Action Program with Djiboutian medical providers June 20.

"MEDCAPs are very important because we are giving the Djiboutian population here the tools that they need to take care of their own medical needs in the future," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey A. Jacobs, commanding general of U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command.

"We are supporting the host nation doctors with best practices," said U.S. Army Capt. Justin Lev, Civil Affairs Team 4902 team chief. More than 350 Djiboutian patients were treated by a Djiboutian medical provider with Americans assisting in treatment and prescribing medications, he said.

"You are helping my people," said Abdoul Shahid, Damerjog regional government representative. He said because of this MEDCAP, many people received medication and treatment. "The only thing I can say is thank you," he said of the service members involved.

The Djiboutian doctors are gaining knowledge of how to do the medical treatment and how to control the patient flow, said Lev. "By providing them these medications and by sharing these best practices with the doctors, we're really building true relationships."

"I love it ? that's why I joined civil affairs," said U.S. Army Spc. Adam Linden, Joint Civil Affairs Team 4481 medic. He said he enjoys being able interact with people on a very personal level, not only helping them with medical concerns, but with other issues that affect their daily lives, such as drilling wells and constructing schools. "It's pretty rewarding," he said.

"These are my soldiers, and they're doing a great job," said Jacobs. "It's very rewarding to see my soldiers doing the job they've trained to do since they've been in the Army, and they are really making a difference here in Djibouti."