BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Villagers living in the Nahr Surkh District of Helmand Province were offered free medical care and humanitarian assistance from Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces Jan. 29. 
 More than 350 villagers from Gereshk and surrounding area arrived at a combined military outpost to receive this assistance.  Almost 200 villagers received treatment for minor ailments associated with winter illnesses.  They and villagers who didn’t need a check up or medicine received their choice of humanitarian items to help them get through the severe winter weather.  Rice, beans, flour, winter jackets, shoes and blankets were provided to several families in need.  Children received school supplies and toys.
 This winter has been especially harsh for residents of Helmand Province.  Winter storms have dumped several inches of snow and kept temperatures below freezing making movement of supplies or provision of medical care extremely difficult for residents of the area.
 Villagers expressed their thanks to ANSF soldiers for their assistance. Many said they had no other options to help their families.  With the extreme weather, many villagers have no other way to resupply their food and fuel stocks during the winter.
 “Thank you for taking care of us,” said one villager, who received a medical check up, food and other supplies from ANSF soldiers.
 “We are happy to help the Afghan government provide medical care and supplies to villagers living in remote areas of the country,” a Coalition soldier said.  “The ANSF and the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are committed to helping the Afghan people throughout the winter.”