PERSONNEL FROM THREE AIR FORCES PROVIDE CARE FOR THAI VILLAGERS

After working in private practice for 15 years, Major (MAJ) Everett Ong joined the United States Air Force (USAF) as a dentist less than two years ago.

At this year's Exercise Cope Tiger in Korat, Thailand, he took part in a socio-civic project for the first time, an experience that he found "very rewarding".

"The villagers don't have access to dental care, and they're not doing the daily home care that you would see in the US or Singapore, so we hope to relieve their pain and give them something to take back," said MAJ Ong, who is currently stationed at Misawa Air Base in Japan.

"I think the locals have really embraced us, knowing that we're here to help them, and we feel very welcome here."

He was part of the 15-strong team from the USAF that collaborated with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in providing healthcare and dental services to villagers just outside of Korat.

From 29 to 31 Jan, the combined medical and dental team saw patients of all ages at Ban Don Phawa School and Ban Pong Malaeng Wan School.

The RSAF sent two medical officers, a dental officer as well as seven medical and dental assistants for the socio-civic programme. They treated about 240 people over three days.

The USAF team was made up of personnel based in Alaska, Hawaii and Japan. They included dentists, optometrists and public health technicians.

In addition, the RSAF donated a photocopier and over a dozen computers. The USAF, too, pitched in dictionaries, sports equipment and other school supplies.

Working alongside the RSAF gave MAJ Ong a chance to pick up "some good tips" that will "improve our own dentistry". He also thought that the dental officer in the RSAF team was "just remarkable".

That was Captain (CPT) (Dr) (NS) Kenny Poh, who was impressed with the teamwork his US colleagues displayed in Korat.

Ex Cope Tiger, which ended on 5 Feb, is an annual event involving the three air forces.