Brig. Gen. Khatool Mohammadzai, director for women’s affairs in the Afghan National Army, visits with a patient at the Korean Hospital April 2.(Photo by William Begle)
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (April 4, 2012) — Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Khatool Mohammadzai, director for women’s affairs in the ANA, visited the Korean Hospital and Vocational Training Center on Bagram Air Field April 2.
Mohammadzai, the first female to achieve the rank of brigadier general in the ANA, visited the hospital and witnessed the quality of care the Koreans provide for her fellow Afghans. While there she also engaged the patients, provided smiles and comforted them.
“I am very happy to meet the Korean people who have left their homes to come here to Afghanistan and help my people,” said Mohammadzai. “I am very happy to see what great care the Afghan people are receiving and the hope that is being given to them.”
Mohammadzai received hugs from the women and children at the hospital.
“I am proud as an Afghan woman,” said Mohammadzai. “The men who gave me this rank gave it to me because of my hard work.”
Mamoon Hotak, a medical interpreter at the Korean Hospital who helps Korean doctors communicate with the Afghan patients, said Mohammadzai is something of a celebrity in Afghanistan.
She is a symbol of hope for Afghan women and her people and she is aware and appreciative of that, said Hotak.
“For me, as an Afghan citizen, it’s an honor meeting her,” said Hotak. “She is really loved by the Afghan people.”
Mohammadzai then visited the KVTC to see the quality of training her native countrymen receive while being prepared to join the modern day Afghan workplace. The KVTC teaches Afghans classes in electricity, computers and electronics, welding, automotive, carpentry and English.
“I’m happy to see people studying electronics and learning a skill that will help them to find work,” said Mohammadzai. “This is very good for the Afghan people.”
Mohammadzai concluded the tour by addressing the students. She spoke of her hopes for the future of Afghanistan, a future with no war and prosperity for her homeland.
“Learn as much as you can and study hard,” said Mohammadzai. “Help your country and help yourself.”