944th begins humanitarian assistance Published April 19, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Susan Stout 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs BOUIZAKARNE, Morocco -- Day one of the humanitarian portion of exercise African Lion 2007 was conducted in this small village, which is about 40 kilometers from Guelmim. The 944th Medical Squadron and their team of professionals from the Navy and Marine Corps were able to provide medical care to almost 600 people who traveled from all over the area to receive treatment. "I'm very proud how our integrated team with our host nation worked during the visit to Bouizakarne," said Lt. Col. Patrick Carpenter, 944th Medical Squadron commander. "We were able to provide some medical assistance for people who had been suffering without medical care for more than 10 years. In addition, the interaction we had with our Moroccan medical counterparts was priceless." For the ophthalmology team, the gratification from the people was instant. "Today I saw a 4-year-old girl who had accommodative esotropia (cross eyes) and we were able to dilate her eyes and give her glasses and she was able to see straight again," said Capt. Daniel Dillinger, 944th Medical Squadron ophthalmologist. The mission in Bouizakarne was very successful with the integrated teams of dermatology seeing 62 patients; ophthalmology seeing 142 patients; pediatrics seeing 88 patients; gynecology seeing 91 patients; internal medicine seeing 159; and dental seeing 57. The busiest place was the pharmacy, which distributed more than 545 drugs. A comment was made by one of the locals, "I've walked the streets of Bouizakarne for the last several months and today I'm seeing them smile."