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ILOPANGO, El Salvador – Clearer communication and stronger connections came into focus for hundreds of patients at Ilopango, El Salvador, as U.S. Air Force medical teams supported AMISTAD 2025, a humanitarian health engagement that began June 15.
Among those making a difference was Staff Sgt. Damaris Molina, 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron pharmacy technician, whose Spanish language skills helped bridge gaps between U.S. medical providers and Salvadoran patients.
Raised in a Spanish-speaking household, Molina served as an unofficial interpreter between U.S. Airmen and Salvadoran civilians and medical personnel, helping patients better understand their treatment and ensuring accurate exchanges between providers.
“Spanish is the first language here, and it really helped me connect with the patients and providers,” said Molina. “Being able to speak to someone in their own language builds trust right away.”
Molina translated medical instructions, explained procedures, and answered questions throughout the two-week engagement. Though interpreting wasn’t her primary role, it became a daily necessity across clinics and training sites.
“Staff Sgt. Molina’s Spanish-speaking ability was absolutely invaluable to the success of our mission.” said Canadian Armed Forces Capt. Alanna Skot, 1 Dental Unit Detachment Ottawa dental officer, “Despite having no prior experience in dentistry, she quickly learned the terminology and flow of patient care, which allowed her to serve as an incredibly effective translator during dental treatments.”
One experience that stood out to Molina involved a young girl at a dental clinic who was extremely nervous about seeing a dentist.
“It was her first time ever seeing the dentist,” Molina said. “She looked me in the eye and held my hand as I interpreted what the dentist was doing step by step. That was a great moment for all of us as a team.”
Beyond patient interactions, Molina also supported medical training with Salvadoran civilian doctors, nurses, and military members. Her ability to communicate clearly ensured joint training objectives were met and mission goals were understood across language barriers.
“Communication is everything,” she said. “Without it, the mission can’t be completed the way it’s intended. Whether it’s treating patients or conducting training, we need to be clear about what’s expected and what kind of care we’re trying to provide.”
For Molina, the experience was a meaningful reminder of how language skills can directly impact mission success. By breaking down communication barriers, she not only improved patient care but also strengthened the partnerships at the heart of AMISTAD 2025 — advancing medical readiness, regional collaboration, and joint interoperability across the hemisphere.
| Date Taken: | 06.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.30.2025 20:13 |
| Story ID: | 501811 |
| Location: | ILOPANGO, SV |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, AMISTAD 25: One Voice, Many Smiles: Airman Connects Cultures Through Care, by A1C Andre Medina, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
