CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq -- While combat operations in Iraq have given way to the advise, train and assist mission, Soldiers still encounter many challenges while deployed, including threats of disease and other environmental hazards.
Specialists Amanda Rose and Eddy Luengas, both preventive medicine specialists with Company C, 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division -- North, ensure deployed Soldiers work and live in a healthy environment at Contingency Operating Base Warhorse in support of Operation New Dawn.
Working at Teal Medical Clinic at COB Warhorse, Rose and Luengas mitigate health and environmental issues by conducting inspections around the COB.
"We do routine health inspections at the places Soldiers use on a daily basis, like the gym, barber shop, and dining facility," said Rose, from Flint, Mich.
The team also inspects water sources on the COB, explained Luengas, adding that clean drinking water is vital to maintaining the force.
"We test the levels of minerals in the water, since too much hardness could cause kidney stones in humans," said Luengas, a native of Santa Anna, Calif.
Additionally, the team goes to the source of the problem, regardless of what type of infection or disease it is, added Luengas. Animals and insects are two factors that commonly cause issues on the COB.
"For instance, an armadillo carries a strain of leprosy," said Luengas, "or (servicemembers) might not realize how harmful a stray dog really can be."
Most Soldiers do not realize how many diseases can be transferred from animals and insects, he added.
The most important part of the team's job is to educate Soldiers by making them aware of the diseases and how to stop the spread of them, said Rose.
"We can educate everyone on such a wide range of topics that affect their health," said Rose.
The preventive medicine team continues to work diligently so Soldiers can focus on the mission instead of threats to their health, said Rose.
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