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JBSA News
NEWS | Oct. 26, 2017

METC preventive medicine specialist program graduates first international military student from Liberia

By Lisa Braun Medical Education and Training Campus Public Affairs

Pfc. Yardy Collins holds the distinction of being the first international student from Liberia to graduate from the preventive medicine specialist program at the Medical Education and Training Campus at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Oct. 20.

 

Collins, from Monrovia, joined the Liberian army because of his desire to save lives, and provide care and treatment to his country and the army. His career goal is to further himself in the medical field and the preventive medicine course has brought him a step closer.

 

“I chose to become a preventive medicine specialist because I want to provide good sanitation services to my country,” Collins said. “My career goal is to be a professional nurse and a public health specialist in line with this unique course.”

 

According to Oscar Ramos, director of the U.S. Army Medical Department Center & School, or AMEDDC&S, International Programs Division, which provides direct support to the international military students attending joint training under the auspices of the Department of State/Department of Defense Security Cooperation Education and Training Program, Collins is one of a selected few Liberian enlisted soldiers to attend METC-hosted programs and the only one to have completed the preventive medicine specialist course from his country and U.S. Africa Command.

 

“The Armed Forces of Liberia enlisted medical personnel train alongside their U.S. counterparts in support of the U.S. Army Surgeon General’s global mission to promote standardization and interoperability throughout the military spectrum, while enhancing partner nations’ medical capabilities,” Ramos said.

 

In addition to the formal training, Collins also participated in several DOD Field Study Program trips throughout Texas, exposing him to U.S. Culture, government institutions and human rights.

 

Lt. Col. Paul Lang, Army service lead for the preventive medicine specialist program, knows first-hand the hardships Liberia faces with regard to adequate sanitation. 

 

“Because of my time working at U.S. Army Africa and, specifically, taking part in the Ebola response in Liberia, I have a deep admiration and respect for the people of Liberia and its army,” Lang said.

 

“When I learned we would have a Liberian student in the class I was very excited. Collins embodies the hard work and spirit of the Liberian people,” Lang added. “He is a natural leader whose quiet confidence and high standards were infectious to the rest of his peers and improved the experience for others in the class. I know that he will take the knowledge and skills he learned here back to Liberia and make an immediate impact.”

 

Collins admitted having to overcome some challenges in the course, such as his fear of speaking in front of an audience, learning how to use the computer for online research, and anxiety about different teaching methods. However, he was not without support.

 

“My instructors and the staff were great and helped me overcome my limitations,” Collins said. “When I needed help, they were there for me.”