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Camaraderie Day celebrated by U.S. and Honduran military service members

  • Published
  • By Capt. Connie Dillon
  • Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs
SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras --  Honduran and United States military members came together for a day of partnership and friendly competition during the 5th bi-annual Camaraderie Day event here Jan. 23.

Camaraderie Day is a special event that celebrates the relationship between Honduras and the United States through athletic events.  The day is used for military members to increase cohesion and develop friendships between the military members of the two countries.

"Camaraderie is defined as a mutual trust and friendship among people who work together," said U.S. Army Col. Kirk Dorr, Joint Task Force commander. "We, as service members, are a special breed.  We serve a greater purpose, and we belong to something bigger than ourselves.  It is our profession, like none other, that defines our camaraderie."

Dorr continued to explain that service members carry a responsibility of trust and the military profession is a noble one.

"It is our profession that preserves our way of life, an important profession, a noble calling, one that is comprised of noble people.  The average person does not understand this, but we do, and that is our bond.  That is what makes us comrades, and this is why Camaraderie Day is important," said Dorr.

The day began with a morning formation of the United States and Honduran participants, to include the playing of the National Anthems from both countries, as well as opening remarks from Dorr and Honduran Army Colonel Oscar Orlando Reyes Paz, Special Operations commander

"Today is a very special day for all of us, to share a day of camaraderie and friendship. Throughout history, sports have brought together towns and their people, and today is an example of how sports are one of the many ties we share. As service members that we all are, camaraderie and friendship is one of the things we always share. I want to thank you in advance for you having us here today, we will compete and take in consideration that it's not just about competing or winning but sharing these moments; so I hope we can all enjoy this day," said Reyes Paz.

The Hondurans and Americans started the games with the women and men's 4x200 relay, followed by volleyball, a bicycle relay and soccer.  The international language of sports and friendly competition served as a conduit to strengthen the bond between the Americans and Hondurans.  All the athletes did their best, and displayed strong determination and great sportsmanship. However, despite the best efforts of the Americans, the Hondurans took home the Camaraderie Day trophy for the fourth straight time.

Following the friendly competition, the participants ate lunch together, and by the end of the day, the athletes and attendees, through exemplary participation, promoted the spirit of camaraderie.

Joint Task Force-Bravo, as guests of their Honduran host-nation partners and the senior representative for USSOUTHCOM at Soto Cano Air Base, conducts and supports joint operations, actions, and activities throughout