Photo By Staff Sgt. Jessica Prestenbach | Petty Officer 2nd Class Pierre Poteau hugs his sister for the first time in eight...... read more read more
MANDRIN, Haiti - Local Haitians wait patiently inside the L’Estere medical assistance site to be treated by a U.S. Navy doctor. Jasmine walks in to see her older brother, an information technology specialist, with open arms and warm kiss for the first time in eight years.
“I am the best big brother I can be over the phone,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Pierre Poteau. “But these next couple of hours we will have together is worth more than diamonds.”
The two have not seen each other more since 2002.
Poteau, Haitian born, attached to Operational Health Support Unit-Dallas, participates in the New Horizons – Haiti 2010 Task Force Kout Men exercise. New Horizons, in partnership with the government of Haiti, is conducting various medical, dental, and engineering missions for the locals in Gonaives. New Horizons also provides valuable experiences to learn in a real-world environment for our U.S. Forces.
“I am very excited to see her,” said Poteau. “But it’s more than that, it’s something I can’t describe. It’s too bad I’m not on vacation so I can really enjoy more time with her.”
Poteau emigrated to the United States in 1995. He first met his sister in 1999 on a visit back to Haiti.
“Since then we developed a strong brother sister relationship over the phone. We talk about everything. I give my sister advice by telling her things I have gone through and I she talks to me about anything she needs to.”
“I am moved and happy,” said Jasmine Poteau. “I don’t know how to express the joy I have. Talking on the phone is one thing but seeing him face to face is different. It is nice being here, kissing and hugging him.”
“I know this country is poor and I always wanted to help,” said Poteau. “Being here is a plus, helping out my home country and being able to see my family.”
Poteau’s role at the L’Estere medical assistance site has been interpreting for the patients and doctors so appointments run more smoothly.
“I am very proud of my brother,” said Jasmine Poteau. “I know he is doing great things with his colleagues for the people of Haiti.”
| Date Taken: | 06.22.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.22.2010 18:32 |
| Story ID: | 51806 |
| Location: | MANDRIN, HT |
| Web Views: | 280 |
| Downloads: | 239 |
This work, Sailor reunites with his sister while training in Haiti, by SSG Jessica Prestenbach, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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