Marines and Sailors from the Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force, Africa Partnership Station 10, currently operating from the New Missions Compound in Pandoo, Haiti, offered their assistance to support locals in dire need of medical treatment after a devastating earthquake struck the island, Jan. 12.

“They were in great need of medical treatment that we were able to help with,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Barry Carr, a Corpsman with the SCMAGTF. “I was really glad to be part of a force that could render the aid they needed.”

Corpsmen made their best efforts to treat injuries ranging from infected lacerations to crush injuries that resulted in paralysis.

“There was a man whose brother brought him in on a plywood stretcher who was paralyzed from the shoulders down,” said Carr. “He was recovered from underneath rubble after being trapped for multiple days.”

While the Corpsmen worked vigilantly, the Marines stood guard in case of any kind of unrest.

“Although the Haitians are appreciative of us being here to help, security is still important because even though the environment is far from hostile, it still remains unpredictable,” said Pfc. Anthony Clark, a rifleman with the Ground Combat Element, SCMAGTF.

The Marines and Sailors of the SCMAGTF will continue disaster relief operations and delivery of humanitarian supplies with elements of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and multinational United Nations forces in the following days.

“I feel humbled to be offered the opportunity to do what I can in this situation,” said Cpl. Jamie Bolling, a rifleman with the GCE, SCMAGTF. “I’m glad I can make a small contribution to the big picture of helping this country recover from the massive devastation.”