Photo By Sgt. Clay Beyersdorfer | Chilean Lt. Col. Pedro Gonzalez and Capt. Avalos Silva pose for a photo at the FOB...... read more read more
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NACO, Honduras – Beyond the Horizons mission’s success has not gone unnoticed.
Lt. Col. Pedro Gonzalez, chief of international operations with the Chilean army paid a visit last week to the various engineering, medical and civic service sites that are part of the BTH 2012 mission here in Honduras.
Gonzalez was here on behalf of Chile, to evaluate how his country could work alongside U.S. and other partner nation forces on BTH missions or similar humanitarian and civic exercises in the future. Chile is considering proving similar assistance to other countries in the region, while working with U.S. and other partner nations.
After gathering information from local Honduran citizens, and visiting various sites, Gonzalez was impressed with the humanitarian and civic assistance support and the accomplishments of the U.S. and Honduran forces.
“In the few days I have been here I have had the opportunity to speak with several people and they seem very happy with anybody they come across that is here in a uniform,” Gonzalez said. “They trust you. Seeing the kids’ faces light up when you ask them about their new schools is something great to see and hear.”
The BTH mission is sponsored by U.S. Southern Command and planned and coordinated through U.S. Army South, with the approval of the Honduran government. U.S., National Guard soldiers, reservists and active duty Army, as well as Air Force and Navy personnel work alongside Honduran forces to provide humanitarian and civic assistance to rural communities. BTH provides an opportunity for U.S. and Honduran forces to train together, while providing much needed assistance to rural communities.
Gonzalez met with Task Force Tropic leadership including Army Lt. Col. Robert Jones, the Task Force Tropic commander, Army Sgt. Maj. Scott Mayer, the sergeant major of Task Force Tropic as well as officials from Army South Command, whose area of responsibility, along with SOUTHCOM, is Central and South America and the Caribbean.
“I think when you work with different countries like this, you realize that we are all not that different,” Gonzalez said. “The closer I work with the U.S. Army the more I see the excellent job you all do. I already had that impression, but this mission proves that even more.”
While on his two-day tour, Gonzalez got to see many aspects of what is happening here in Honduras, including touring the Naco FOB, visiting the MEDRETE site, looking at the various engineering sites, as well going out on a mission with the veterinarian to assist Hondurans with getting vaccinations and basic care for their animals.
The civic action programs that are being implemented by Task Force Tropic are designed to assist the local communities with a wide range of construction projects, which include constructing buildings and repairing and improving facilities. U.S. personnel working alongside Honduran forces are making repairs and improvements to utility systems, medical treatment facilities and providing engineering technical assistance.
Gonzalez supported the concept where forces conduct training, while providing much needed services to the Honduran people.
“I wish I could have stayed longer and been able to see everything,” Gonzalez said. “This exercise is a win-win for everybody. The host nation is getting excellent services and the soldiers who are coming down here are getting excellent training.”
After spending just a few short days here, Gonzalez is confident with his decision.
“I will recommend that Chile participate in the next exercise,” Gonzalez said. “I hope that in the future you will be able to see Chilean engineers and doctors and vets helping out.”
| Date Taken: | 06.10.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2012 13:49 |
| Story ID: | 90189 |
| Location: | NACO, HN |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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