CAT 4361 and U.S SOUTHCOM Humanitarian Assistance Program Donated Excess Property & Equipment in Esquipulas, Guatemala

Photo By 94th Airlift Wing | U.S. Soldiers with Civil Affairs Team 4361 from Army Forces Battalion, Joint Task Force-Bravo; U.S. Army Maj. Nestor Lugo, Humanitarian Assistance Program-Guatemala manager; U.S. Army Capt. Brian Olivera, JTF-Bravo liaison officer to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala; and Carlos Portillo, Esquipulas mayor, stand with local partners during the transfer of excess medical equipment valued at more than $250,000 to the city of Esquipulas, Guatemala, Jan. 28, 2026. The donated equipment will support the city’s local Centro Médico, enhancing medical capacity and improving healthcare services for approximately 25,000 residents. This effort underscores the United States’ commitment to strengthening partnerships and supporting community resilience through humanitarian assistance. (Courtesy Photo)  

ESQUIPULAS, GUATEMALA

02.04.2026

Courtesy Story

Joint Task Force Bravo

ESQUIPULAS, Guatemala -- Civil Affairs Team 4361, assigned to Army Forces Battalion, Joint Task Force-Bravo, and the U.S. Southern Command Humanitarian Assistance Program partnered with the Guatemalan Ministry of Health to donate excess medical equipment valued at more than $250,000 to the city of Esquipulas, Guatemala, Jan. 28, 2026.

This excess property donation provided medical equipment to the Centro de Salud in the Municipality of Esquipulas, which will help to serve approximately 25,000 people in the local community who are currently facing various health issues such as dengue, malaria, and other medical issues.

"Standing side-by-side with local leaders in Esquipulas to deliver donated medical equipment, including hospital beds, diagnostic devices, surgical instruments, oxygen concentrators, and personal protective equipment is exactly why I do this job," said Capt. Christopher Karl, Civil Affairs Team 4361 team chief. "By providing these resources directly to Esquipulas’ hospitals and clinics, we get to experience a truly unique mission that impacts the everyday lives of the citizens in this community.”

Mr. Carlos Portillo, Equipulas mayor, also attended the donation ceremony, providing a message of gratitude and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian and medical assistance efforts.
“This gathering is a testament to the importance of humanitarian and medical assistance efforts,” Portillo said. “Our focus is on providing medical care efficiently and respectfully, serving our community with collaboration, organization, and shared responsibility in delivering healthcare services."

Established in 1983, JTF-Bravo supports U.S. military and humanitarian operations, providing critical airlift, medical, logistics, and security assistance to partner nations. The task force functions as U.S. Southern Command’s rapid response element, enhances regional security, promotes stability, and strengthens partnerships through disaster response, joint exercises, and capacity-building initiatives in support of U.S. Southern Command priorities.

• Date Taken: 02.04.2026
• Date Posted: 02.05.2026 12:17
• Story ID: 557491
• Location: ESQUIPULAS, GT