Photo By 1st Lt. Kali Gradishar | Belize Defence Force Lance Cpl. Judith Trapp, a BDF volunteer, assists with patient...... read more read more
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PUNTA GORDA, Belize - Belize Defence Force volunteer service members have spread throughout the country in support of New Horizons Belize 2014 as they work in various capacities from security and logistics at medical readiness training exercises, or MEDRETEs, to security and engineering at construction sites in three Belizean cities.
Through the end of June, BDF volunteers are providing security at each of the five construction sites within the country. They were up north in the Corozal District and are now in the southern Toledo District providing MEDRETE security. They also offered an extra set of hands and language skills as they assisted with the flow of patient traffic and translated between local Belizeans and U.S. and Canadian service members.
"We are going from success to success," said Retired Lt. Col. George Lovell, Belize Ministry of National Security chief executive officer. "There have been several programs that both the U.S. government and the military and Belizean government and its military have been doing together, and we continue to do it together.
"I can tell you because I served for quite some time in the Belize Defence Force that for quite some years we have been doing New Horizons…the results of what the joint partnership can bring is tremendous," Lovell added.
New Horizons has provided excellent opportunities for partnership building, encouraging people to learn about other people, other cultures and other militaries.
"I came out here for the experience working along with (other countries' militaries). It's nice to meet new people," said Lance Cpl. Judith Trapp, a six-year BDF volunteer who is assisting with security and logistics in the Toledo District medical exercises.
"I need them to have this experience," said Gen. David Jones, Belize Defence Force commander. "The major advantage is the relationship that is forged between the soldiers. Soldiers are getting to know how their counterparts operate."
Along with new experiences, the BDF volunteers are also receiving great praise from their leaders at all levels. Both Lovell and Jones expressed pride in their soldiers.
"I would like to, on behalf of the Ministry of National Security and the Government of Belize, thank them for selfless service that they continue to provide for the people and the government of Belize," said Lovell.
"I'm proud. ... It's a great experience for them," Jones added.
| Date Taken: | 05.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2014 17:11 |
| Story ID: | 128807 |
| Location: | PUNTA GORDA, BZ |
| Web Views: | 187 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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