At The Pilot, we are always looking for ways to make connections between news that's happening around the world and people here in Hampton Roads. The NATO hospital in Kandahar is staffed in part by doctors and nurses from Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, so it provides a powerful opportunity to apply a local lens to the war in Afghanistan.
This series offers a rare view of our military's bravery and sacrifice, and of the hospital staff's heroic efforts to save the lives of soldiers and Marines who have sustained horrendous wounds on the battlefield.
Some of the words and images you will see are graphic. We debated how unvarnished to be in our report. Ultimately, we felt a responsibility to illustrate the heavy toll that this 10-year-old war continues to take.
Denis Finley, Virginian-Pilot editor
Multimedia production by Brian C. Clark | The Virginian-Pilot
A note from the editor about the photos.
To our readers: This video contains images of wartime injuries. Viewer discrection is advised.
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A note from the editor about the video.
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THE COMBAT HOSPITAL at Kandahar Airfield is among the most advanced treatment facilities to ever operate in a war zone. Roughly 70 percent of its patients come straight from the battlefield. In addition to U.S. and coalition service members, the hospital treats Afghans. For the staff, every day is spent working to keep death at bay.