Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-Bravo), located on Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, executes numerous medical missions every year across Central America and other countries as directed by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Since 2012, the U.S. Army Reserve’s 807th Medical Command (807th MC) (Deployment Support) has manned the medical assets deployed to JTF-Bravo to, among others, execute operational medical missions in the region to strengthen partnerships.
In 2022, JTF-Bravo conducted 13 Medical Readiness Training Exercises (MEDRETEs) with 9,229 patients, seven Surgical Readiness Training Exercises (SURGRETEs) with 65 surgeries, and eight Veterinarian Readiness Training Exercises (VETRETEs) serving 8,304 livestock.
In January 2023, U.S. Army Brigadier General Michael Pyle, deputy commanding general for Operations, 807th MC(DS), visited medical personnel deployed to JTF-Bravo and was able to see members execute a MEDRETE conducted in the Olancho region of Honduras.
“Through collaboration with the Olancho’s Ministry of Health, Ciudad Mujer, Copeco [Honduran Permanent Contingency Committee], and the Honduran Red Cross, a strengthened bond was formed. There was an increase in awareness of the United States’ support and humanitarian efforts to the Honduran people. U.S. service members’ readiness levels also increased by utilizing their skills and education to complete assigned tasks. Host nation readiness was increased by collaboration with the U.S. on the completion of a successful MEDRETE,” U.S. Army First Lieutenant Skye Shafer, assigned to the JTF-Bravo Surgeon Cell, said.
The Olancho MEDRETE mission was conducted over three days in the communities of Jutiquile and Mamisaca.Patient flow through the MEDRETE after COVID-19 screening started with a preventative medicine station in which a group of attendees received a patient education class in personal hygiene, water safety, and preventing common illnesses. Antiparasitic medications were provided, along with vitamins, toothbrushes, and soap. A preventative dentistry class was also given covering oral hygiene.
A triage area was staffed with medics and nurses where patient vital signs, children’s weights, chief complaints, and assessment information were gathered. Physicians were available to assess, diagnose, and order needed medications for patients. The pharmacy was then able to dispense medications that are often unavailable in such rural areas of Honduras. A dental station was also available at the MEDRETE, and dentists were able to extract teeth if needed or perform simple restorative needs such as fillings for cavities.This three-day mission was able to provide care for 1,253 patients in these two rural Honduran communities.
One of the training benefits for members of the 807th MC(DS) in conducting MEDRETEs for JTF-Bravo is in learning how to work with partner nation organizations and host nation military. Another great opportunity for medical assets is to work in a joint environment with personnel from all components and branches in an operational setting.The JTF-Bravo Command Surgeon for the Olancho MEDRETE, U.S.
Army Lieutenant Colonel Anna Rhodes, shared that another benefit is the personal reward they feel when serving others and connecting with Honduran people.
“Not only do we as Army Reserve medical assets get to utilize our training and skills on planning and executing these missions, but we get to share with and open our hearts to supporting people in the partner nation.”