Story by Private First Class Gisell Martinez

ALDEA EL HIGUERAL, Guatemala – Members of USS Boxer’s (LHD 4) medical staff and embarked units traveled to Aldea El Higueral, May 11 and 12, to provide the community with health services as part of the equal partnership mission Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.

CP is a Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) mission teaming American and Guatemalan health care providers and relief capabilities to demonstrate the cooperative partnership among allies.

El Higueral is a small community that consists of 40 families, including many whom have not received medical services in more than ten years. They came to the health services site with a wide array of injuries and illnesses and were met by the medical staff comprised of Boxer medical staff, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 5 and the United States Public Health Services (USPHS).

“We are very happy to be receiving international partnership help for our small and humble community,” said patient Herman Ibarra Morales, who came to the site for an eye exam and pain in his shoulders.

The site consisted of stations where patients were diagnosed and either treated by a physician or prescribed the proper medication at the site’s pharmacy. There was also a room where the villagers could have a routine dental cleaning or tooth extraction, while a nearby room gave out glasses and held screenings for possible eye surgery.

The community surrounding Aldea El Higueral’s school consists of 450 residents, most living with issues ranging from chronic pains to wounds requiring acute surgeries.

“Everyone is pleased to receive the help,” says Captain Roberto Lopez, a translator for the Guatemala military.  “They get to go home with medication and services that this country by itself couldn’t do, and now is able to do with help from our partner-nation.”

Guatemalan interpreters, currently enrolled in a translator certification course, partnered with doctors not only to help explain what symptoms patients are having, but also to improve their Spanish to English translating skills. They were able to reinforce the language and help explain all the issues in detail to help patients with the necessary care intended for them.

“Personally, I am very proud to be here representing Guatemala standing side-by-side with Americans,” added Lopez.  “We’re helping to strengthen the bond between doctors and patients for the respective treatments.”

Boxer’s mission exemplifies the U.S. maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests.       

Embarked units and organizations aboard Boxer for CP include Amphibious Squadron 5, Fleet Surgical Team 5, U.S. Public Health Service, Project Hope, Project Handclasp, Navy Seabee Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764, Tactical Air Control Squadron 11, Special Marine Air Ground Task Force 24, Helicopter Sea Combat Support Squadron 23, Assault Craft Unit 1, Fleet Survey Team and Beach Master Unit 1.