Civil Affairs Team in Guatemala Support Local Organizations in Disaster Response

The Civil Affairs Team in Guatemala (CAT GTM), part of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF-Bravo), plays its part in strengthening the relationship with the Central American country and supporting the community. Among its most recent engagements, on October 8, 2024, the CAT GTM attended a Disaster Risk Management Fair in Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, Escuintla department, along with various organizations working in the region. Pictured, members of CAT GTM and the Guatemalan Army pose for a photo during the fair. (Photo: CAT GTM)

U.S. Army Captain Giovanni Valldejuli, Team Lead Officer in Charge (CAT GTM), speaks with a local news reporter about disaster response in Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, as part of the Disaster Risk Management Fair, October 8, 2024. The event aimed at preparing the local community, including students of all ages, to prepare for natural disasters. It also helped raise awareness about the key organizations involved in disaster response, such as the Guatemalan Army’s Humanitarian and Rescue Brigade (BHR) and Airborne Brigade “General Felipe Cruz,” the Guatemalan Red Cross, the National Association of Departmental Firefighters (ASONBOMB), Santa Lucía Volunteer Firefighters, the Guatemalan Army’s Airborne Brigade “General Felipe Cruz,” the Municipal Transit Police (PMT), the Provincial Police, and the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), among others. (Photo: CAT GTM)

As part of the October 8, 2024 Disaster Risk Management Fair, CAT GTM visited the local primary school in Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa to assess the school desks, chairs, and other school supplies that were donated by the U.S. Embassy 15 years ago. Pictured from left: School Director Lucky Archila, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Clayton Gransberg, Team Noncommissioned Officer in Charge; and U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Luis Flores, Team Medic. (Photo: CAT GTM)

Members of the Guatemalan Army’s Airborne Brigade “General Felipe Cruz” show off their gear and discuss their duties with local children, in the framework of the Disaster Risk Management Fair in Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, October 8, 2024. (Photo: CAT GTM)

Emergency service vehicles and equipment were on display at the Disaster Risk Management Fair in Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, October 8, 2024. The Fair represented a significant milestone in the region’s journey toward building resilience. By engaging with diverse organizations and fostering community awareness, CAT GTM can contribute to creating a safer, more prepared future for all. (Photo: CAT GTM)