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News | June 12, 2016

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers participate in Tradewinds 2016

By Story by Staff Sgt. Heidi McClintock 111th Public Affairs Detachment

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada-- U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 396th Combat Support Hospital are providing medical support during Phase 1, Tradewinds 2016.

The Soldiers from the Vancouver, Washington based unit are providing medical support for all the participating countries of Tradewinds 2016.

Tradewinds 2016 is a joint combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations.

The exercise is providing a great opportunity for the Soldiers to use their medical skills to help not only treat anyone that has a medical need but also to teach those getting medical assistance on the proper care of their wound or burn.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be here for Tradewinds 2016,” said Spc. Emily Panther, a practical nursing specialist with the 396th CSH. “It’s part of the Army you don’t see everyday.”

“These missions make me appreciative of my job in the Army more,” added Panther.

According to Panther, they have been providing primarily preventive healthcare during the exercise but also enjoying the opportunity to work with other partner nations.

“It feels great that I can offer medical support to those that need it,” said Spc. Richard Travis, a a practical nursing specialist with the 396th CSH. “It feels great to (have all the participating countries) come together with unity as one team.”

Travis added, “you can’t say you really experience anything similar to this unless you participate in an exercise like Tradewinds.”

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