Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

The Dongmyung Unit receives high praise from local people in Lebanon; ‘A gift from God’

The Dongmyung Unit, described as “a gift from God” by residents in Tyre, South Lebanon, has achieved another milestone.

On April 19th, the Joint Chiefs of Staff made the following announcement: “The 21st Dongmyung Unit, which performs its peacekeeping mission as part of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), has recently reached a milestone in medical aid for over one hundred and ten thousand people in Lebanon.”

The Dongmyung Unit has been carrying out its peacekeeping mission in Lebanon since July 19, 2007. The 21st Dongmyung Unit was deployed to Lebanon last August. The unit focuses on fixed surveillance operations and maneuver reconnaissance in order to block the influx of illegal weapons and inhibit the activities of armed forces that may constitute a threat to Lebanon. In particular, the Unit’s sincere medical aid for the people has been praised as “a gift from God” due to its significant contribution to enhancing quality of life.

The Dongmyung Unit medical team consists of a total of 14 people, including army doctors who are specialists in internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics and dentistry, a veterinary officer, nurse officers, noncommissioned medical treatment officers and combat medics. They provide a ‘proactive medical aid service’ while making the rounds in five towns under the Unit’s responsibility.

In 2017, the Unit was able to offer medical aid to one hundred thousand people, a monumental achievement. The Unit has given medical aid for one hundred and ten thousand people in total. Considering that about fifty thousand people reside in five towns, it is believed that all of the residents have received medical benefits.

The Dongmyung Unit’s medical team treats an average of about fifty people a day. The Unit has also built a 24-hour medical service system for emergency and burn patients visiting the Unit.

The Dongmyung Unit provides traveling clinic and veterinary treatment at the same time. This is also a service the locals are greatly satisfied with. As of April 15th, a total of 34,111 animals had been treated by the Dongmyung Unit.

“The Dongmyung Unit’s medical aid service for local people has become a ‘light of hope.’ We always feel like real friends when the Dongmyung Unit soldiers bring their help and warm touch,” said Mayor of Abbasid Ali Mussa Ezzedin.

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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