KABUL, Afghanistan -- Airmen assigned to Camp Phoenix recently participated in a joint Medical Civic Action Program, or MEDCAP, in one of Kabul's northern districts.

Service members from the U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy, worked alongside service members from the Canadian and British armies to ensure the success of the four-hour event.

Despite the cold, snow and mud more than 600 Afghans travelled on foot to seek medical treatment at the temporary clinic set up inside of a local school. As part of a joint security operation, the Afghanistan National Army and Kabul City Police assisted with security, allowing military personnel to focus on providing medical care.

MEDCAPs are important community outreach programs that fill the void in healthcare for those who cannot afford even the most basic medical care.

"This type of activity provides the local people with a service that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to get," said U.S. Army Maj. Mark Roper, a civil affairs officer who coordinated the event. "Medical care in Afghanistan is often poor at best. If we can help people, while showing them that we really do care, it becomes a win-win situation. This really is a 'hearts and minds' type of scenario."

After passing through security, the patients were escorted to the medics. In respect to the culture, Coalition forces ensured patients were only seen by same gender medics. Among the common ailments treated were malnutrition, gastric problems, joint pains and cold symptoms.

"The MEDCAP offered me the ability to connect with local nationals on a larger scale by assessing their medical needs, treating illnesses and facilitating care to a larger medical facility when needed," said Air Force 1st Lt. Barbara Acevedo, a physician assistant from Camp Phoenix.

After the check-up, patients were brought to the pharmacy where they received free medicine. Before leaving the site, they were offered clothing, shoes and toys donated from various charity organizations in the United States.

As this was the first MEDCAP in this area of Kabul, the team is eager to assist the community with another one this winter.

"MEDCAPs are helpful in every way. The community sees how helpful we are and how we are able to lend a hand even though we are at war, whether it's providing medical help or giving clothes and shoes to the kids," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Marcus Laurico, a medical technician and NCOIC of the Camp Phoenix clinic. "I am very proud to have helped the locals and to be able to represent the Air Force as a medic."