110111-F-7705D-055

by SSgt Sheila deVera

Senior Airman Mabel Aguirre, a 455th Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron medical technician; and Ajamal Hazrat, a one-year-old patient, waits patiently for his transportation at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital located on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Jan. 11. A large majority of the Hazrat family were badly injured after the propane tank used to heat their home exploded. During the time they were treated here they have touched the hearts of many doctors and medics who interact with them each day. Aguirre is deployed from the 59th Maternal/Child Care Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sheila deVera/Released)

Photographer's Narrative

 

Every time I went to Craig Joint Theater Hospital, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, I would visit the one-year-old patient, Ajamal Hazrat. The hospital staff and volunteers fell in-love with him and “spoiled” him. During his stay, Senior Airman Mabel Aguirre had grown attached to the baby and wanted to be the one to send him off when he was discharged. Every time I was near him, Ajamal was intrigued with my camera and would stare at me. While waiting for his transportation at the hospital, I wanted to capture the moment between Ajamal and Aguirre. She put on a brave face and refused to break down in front of the camera. I believe this image still shows the emotional attachment between the patient and his caregiver.