U.S. Military Medical Exercise Concludes
in Remote Areas of Costa Rica; Nearly 400
Treated
A two-day Medical Readiness and Training
Exercise, or MEDRETE, concluded in Costa
Rica last week after bringing necessary
medical care and supplies to more than 375
villagers from the remote Turrialba region
of this Central American nation.
A combined team of more than 30
representatives of Joint Task Force-Bravo --
a joint United States military unit
comprised of approximately 500-600 U.S.
Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors based at Soto
Cano Air Base, Honduras -- and the Costa
Rican Ministry of Health delivered the care
and supplies after months of planning and
coordination.
Treating ailments ranging from cold and
flu-like symptoms to chronic bronchitis and
early stages of pneumonia, the U.S. and
Costa Rican medics also offered preventive
medicine education, vitamins and
immunizations to patients.
The acting U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica,
Charge'd' Affairs Peter Brennan, visited the
site of the MEDRETE on its second day.
"We at the Embassy conduct official
diplomacy and try to also reach out to
society in general. But efforts like this
reach out directly to people in needy
communities - getting to people where they
live," Mr. Brennan said. "In the end, that's
what helps people appreciate the United
States more and see that we truly care about
their health and education. It shows that
the democratic system does deliver the
goods."
At the request of the Costa Rican government
and in coordination with the U.S. Embassy,
the U.S. Military Group, and the Costa Rican
Ministry of Health, Joint Task Force-Bravo
sent medical and command and control
members, three UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters
and crews, and one CH-47 Chinook helicopter
and its crew to aid in the effort to reach
populations unreachable by road since
massive flooding destroyed a key bridge last
year.
Residents of the area came from miles around
to see healthcare providers from the
Ministry of Health and JTF-B. Some heard of
the opportunity through word-of-mouth
advertising and some, like 50-year-old
Rafael Martinez, simply heard the two UH-60
Blackhawks approaching. "I heard the
helicopter go by and walked for about an
hour to see the doctor," Mr. Martinez said.
"It has been at least two years since I saw
one."
Rogelio and Melli Segura and their five
children - all under 10 years old - walked
an hour and a half up and down mountains to
see a doctor for the first time ever. The
Seguras, who farm corn for subsistence and
are expecting their sixth child, made the
long walk after suffering from headaches and
other pains for the past five days.
After the whole family received examinations
from a physician's assistant, they left with
bottles of Tylenol - medicine that is
over-the-counter in places like the United
States but considerably harder to come by in
a place inaccessible by road and a three day
hike from the nearest medical care.
"We value enormously the activities and
materials Joint Task Force-Bravo brings to
the effort, but especially the spirit and
partnership evident through the coordination
between the various agencies involved," the
acting Ambassador said. "A mission like this
helps us develop further close links and
goodwill between nations."
Just before dawn breaks at the Juan
Santamaria International Airport in San
Jose, Costa Rica, U.S. Army
Capt. John Osterman, Air Force Tech. Sgt.
Bill Flores, and Army Lt. Col. Curtis
Anderson finalize the airlift
plan for three Blackhawk helicopters
supporting the Medical Readiness and
Training Exercise in the remote
Turrialba region of Costa Rica, Central
America. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt.
Mike Hammond)
A U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter
circles as it approaches the landing zone to
pick up
people and supplies returning from medical
operations in remote, mountainous Costa
Rica.
(U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Mike
Hammond)
TOLOKICHA, Costa Rica — A Costa Rican man
helps carry medical supplies from the
Costa Rica Ministry of Health out of a U.S.
Army HH-60 Blackhawk on Sept. 11, 2009.
(U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Mike
Hammond).
Source: Joint Task Force-Bravo, U.S.
Southern Command |
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