Twin patriots bring healing effort to Afghans

Washington Post:

The jet they had leased at their own expense and filled with medical supplies taxied to a stop at Kabul International Airport. On the runway, not 50 yards away, Vance Moss saw black smoke from the charred shell of a burning plane billowing into a blue sky.

He turned to his twin brother, Vince, who was just stirring from a nap. "Welcome to Afghanistan," he said. Later, Vance silently said a prayer: Please let us accomplish this.

The doctors, who are natives of Prince George's County, had decided in late 2005 to go on their own to treat civilians in the war-torn country. As members of the U.S. Army Reserve, they initially sought help from the military and the State Department but found no interest. So they worked connections until they found a military officer and an Afghan doctor willing to set them up.

They secured their visas, purchased medical supplies, found a translator, hired a jet and said goodbye to family and friends.

Two trips and hundreds of patients later, the 36-year-old doctors will be honored for their humanitarian efforts tomorrow at a ceremony in Atlanta. The Mosses, actors Danny Glover and Halle Berry and others are recipients of the 2008 Trumpet Awards, which recognize African American achievement. Past honorees include Sidney Poitier, Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks.

By the end of the month, the twins will head to Iraq with their reserve unit to treat wounded troops. In their off time, they want to treat civilians and are negotiating with the State Department for permission.

As they tied up loose ends at Crozer Chester Medical Center near Philadelphia last week, the doctors said they are grateful for the opportunity. "We're ready to do our duty to God and our country," Vance Moss said.

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There is much more about these two in a very long story that covers five internet pages. It is good to see some black patriots get the recognition they deserve. Too many of the so called black leaders have selfishly opposed our efforts in this war as a distraction to their campaign for more benefits. These two guys represent the best of America.