MEDFLAG 10 kicks off with opening ceremony in Kinshasa

Courtesy Photo | (Left to right) Charge d' Affaires Mr. Samuel Laeuchli; Maj. Gen. Lukama Marcelin; Lt. Col. Todd Johnston, MEDFLAG 10 commander of the U.S. forces; and Col. Kabanda Gilbert, the FARDC Surgeon General, await the arrival of the Minister of Justice and Human Rights for the Democratic Republic of Congo to begin the opening ceremonies of MEDFLAG 10, Sept. 6 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. MEDFLAG 10 is a joint training exercise between U.S. and Congolese militaries preparing for medical and civic assistance and mass casualty training. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jason K. Northcutt)  

KINSHASA, CONGO, THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE

09.06.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Kassidy Snyder 

Joint Force Headquarters - Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo – U.S. armed forces along with the Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo held an opening ceremony Sept. 6 at the Command and Staff College in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo to signify the start of MEDFLAG 10, a joint medical exercise.

“Today and throughout the exercise, we gather together as military personnel and civilians working together in the spirit of friendship and cooperation,” said Lt. Col. Todd Johnston, the MEDFLAG 10 U.S. forces task force commander, during his speech at the opening ceremony. “It is inspiring to look back at where we have come from and look forward to where we are going.”

The ceremony began with the arrival of distinguished guests to include Luzolo Bambi the minister of justice and human rights for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Charge d’ Affaires Samuel Laeuchli, Maj. Gen. Marcelin Lukama the FARDC chief of defense forces and Col. Gilbert Kabanda the FARDC surgeon general.

The FARDC military police presented honors while the FARDC music battalion performed both countries national anthem.

“It is my hope that our respective national organizations will learn something about each other as they work together over the coming weeks,” said Luzolo. “In the end, it is about saving lives and minimizing human suffering in the event of a disaster.”

Following the opening ceremony, U.S. medical personnel began classroom instruction with the FARDC on familiarization of malaria signs, symptoms, causes and treatments. Both armed forces will continue classroom instruction on various medical topics for the next four days. After all classroom instruction is completed both forces will work side by side to provide humanitarian assistance to Congolese citizens.

• Date Taken: 09.06.2010
• Date Posted: 09.07.2010 09:49
• Story ID: 55833
• Location: KINSHASA, CD