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JTF-B, Local Police team up for Humanitarian Aid

  • Published
  • By Maj. Angelic Dolan and Ana Maria Fonseca
  • Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs
SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras --  Joint Task Force-Bravo in cooperation with Comayagua National Police provided 750 bars of soap to the local school, Rosa de Valenzuela, as part of JTF-B's continuous engagement and commitment to Honduras, April 5.

"The Comayagua Police had an opportunity to partner with Joint Task Force Bravo, and we decided to take the opportunity to help our local schools with certain needs," said Comayagua National Police Deputy Commissioner Juan Lopez Rochez.

Seven hundred and fifty school girls occupied the school yard, as the local police and U.S. service members from JTF-B handed out bars of soap to promote good hygiene in the area. With the assistance of interagency organizations, the JTF-B Civil Affairs Team obtained supplies needed to give to the local communities; fostering prosperity in Central America.

"JTF-B is grateful for the opportunity to help schools and orphanages in Comayagua, and our partnership with the Police allows us to do so," said JTF-B Civil Affairs Interagency Liaison Iris Medina.

All the students cheered and clapped as the bars of soap were being passed out. Once received, the children lifted the bars up high in excitement.

Medina explained to the school girls the importance of soap and good hygiene, "these bars of soap today will allow you to have clean hands whenever you wash them, which will result in having stronger and healthier immune systems. This will allow you to come to school every day and learn more and become better citizens every day!"

"It is rewarding each time I come out and see the children smiling as we provide them supplies. For these kids, the smallest donation feels like Christmas to them. I see firsthand the difference we are making here in Central America," said Director of Civil Affairs Army Lt. Col. Michael Frazier.

The JTF-B Civil Affairs Team, as a community outreach effort, made contact with community leaders and organizations and started visiting various schools in the area last week. Along with Mayor Carlos Miranda's Office, they visited the following schools and kindergartens: Japon, Ramon Ortega, Eloy Guzman, Inmaculada, Gabriela Mistrol and Victor Valenzuela.

"It is important to get involved and show we are here to support," Lt. Col. Frazier said. "These small acts of kindness encourage stability in the region and strengthen our partnership with the community and region."