Puerto Rico Reaches Out

Photo By Sgt. William Marsh | Gloria Estela Henriquez, the school director for El Amate, looks at the donations brought by Soldiers of 413th Civil Affairs Battalion during the Beyond the Horizon 2018 exercise. Beyond the Horizon 2018, (BTH) is an exercise deploying active Army, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers. These are two-week rotations for Soldiers to work with the El Salvadoran military and civic agencies bringing vital services and resources to rural communities. BTH, conducted annually, is part of U.S. Army South and U.S. Southern Command's (SOUTHCOM) humanitarian and civic assistance program.  

EL SALVADOR

07.18.2018

Story by Sgt. William Marsh 

106th Public Affairs Detachment

Beyond the Horizon 2018 is a demonstration of the United States’ continued commitment to the Central and South Americas thru humanitarian assistance exercises.

Due to the construction of the new school being built by the 390th Engineer Company Army Reserve out of Chattanooga, TN and the Marine 6th Engineer Support Battalion out of Portland, Oregon, as well as Salvadoran service members, the students of El Amate have been moved to a temporary location across the road, said Master Sgt. Roman Moreno, acting non-commissioned officer-in-charge, with the 413th CA BN. The donations were brought just as the school session ended for the day, so as to not disrupt instruction.

Gloria Estela Henriquez, the school director for El Amate received the gifts with humility. “You have provided us with more than we could ever dream, we are truly blessed,” said Henriquez. “I will miss the smiles and personalities of the people (U.S. Service members) when they leave.”

Among the Soldiers presenting the donation was Sgt. Maj. William Lopez from the Puerto Rican National Guard Joint Force Headquarters serving as the Command Sergeant Major for the CJTF-Hope here.

Lopez has been to El Amate many times, he said. “I have built a friendship with Gloria.”

Spc. Ricardo Reyes, a Civil Affairs Specialist of the 413th CA BN was one of the Soldiers who helped unload the donated goods.

Students of the school were very appreciative, said Reyes. “Some students said how excited they were because they had never seen toys like that before.”
Reyes served as a translator for the mission, speaking for the Civil Affairs team and even interpreting for an impromptu medical engagement with local nationals.

Sgt. Jared Dailey, medic with the 328th CSH out of Sacramento, CA, offered some basic medical assistance such as antibiotic ointment, sanitary wraps and gauze to the students of the school.

“In these environments, kids are especially susceptible to infection,” said Dailey. He added that simple scrapes could turn into something a lot worse if not treated properly.

Dailey was able to see about 25 students and even a few adults, said Moreno.

In addition to treating bumps and bruises, Dailey was able to identify a few respiratory infections, treat gastro-intestinal problems, and advise parents on seeking further medical attention for a student that has reoccurring headaches causing loss of vision.

“All the work being done here is very valuable but the U.S. Service Members won’t be around to see first hand the fruits of their labors,” said Captain Daniel Tompkins, chaplain from the 898th Brigade Engineer Battalion out of Washington State. Giving these donations feels much more personal, he said.

• Date Taken: 07.18.2018
• Date Posted: 07.21.2018 12:07
• Story ID: 285039
• Location: SV