BlackFive

The soldiers assisted with the physical set-up of the site and then the operation of the pharmacy, with the majority of their efforts focused on preparation of the actual mission.

Weeks before an actual CA mission is conducted, the CA team receives a request for support from the Colombian military. The next step is the deployment of the CA team to the location to conduct a reconnaissance and assessment of the area. The team meets with local civil and military officials to determine what facilities the Colombians can provide for the doctors. The team will determine what the most common ailments are, so the team can coordinate for the proper medical specialists and provide appropriate medications. They also assess the necessary security requirements during the operation and determine whether or not the physical site will accommodate all of the patients, doctors and equipment.
The Colombians, with the assistance of the U.S. CA team, were able to help more than 1,400 locals over the course of a day and a half during this particular mission. The 19 volunteer doctors brought a variety of specialties, from optometry, pediatrics, dentistry, gynecology and general medicine.

Hundreds of children, adults, and elderly waited patiently in the humid tropical air to be seen by the doctors, who worked in small bungalows transformed into examination rooms. “For many of the patients, it was the only opportunity they would have to see specialists like optometrists, gynecologists and dentists,” said Enrique Martin, logistics director, Colombian Civil Air Patrol. His organization assists young Colombian doctors in fulfilling their national obligation to do a year of volunteer service work upon completing their medical schooling.

Bringing a group like Martin’s together with the Colombian military to engage and assist the general public is the epitome of the civil affairs effort in Colombia and focuses on bringing Government of Colombia presence into remote areas.  These efforts do not go unnoticed by the Colombian military or people.

Major Mayerlin Galindo, civil military operations officer, described the impact of this experience. “Thanks for the unconditional support of the American government. We feel very accomplished and satisfied to have this kind of contact and support, because sometimes our own forces are insufficient. And we need this type of vehicle and our forces to reach (out to the people) for the better of our community.”
A young mother who received medication for her sick young child expressed her appreciation to the Colombian Air Force for the service she received. “I feel very good and satisfied with the help on behalf of the Air Force,” said Stefany through a translator when asked about the service she received that day. “We are very humble people and we really appreciate all the help we received.”

For the CA team leader, seeing the finished product come together was most gratifying. “Personally being out here, working and seeing the children who are being helped by the pediatric doctors and seeing the adults who may never have had the opportunity to receive medical care is very satisfying,” said the CA team leader. “Also being able to see the positive reaction the people have to the Colombian Air Force really helps me to see the effect our work is having. It really shows the positive direction we are going and what can be accomplished when the U.S. and Colombia work together.”

“The CA team appreciates the small victories and realizes that their goals are part of a long-term objective,” said the captain. It is important to see the long-term objective of the U.S. State Department and Special Operations Command-South, and only through these constant engagements will the goal of a completely safe and secure Colombia be realized.
The Malambo mission was one more step in that direction by successfully facilitating a positive engagement between the Colombian military and the people they serve.

A young girl has her height and weight measured prior to a pediatric examination. Soldiers from a Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) civil affairs team works with the Colombian Air Force to provide medical support to the town of Molambo in the northeast region of Colombia. The CA Soldiers coordinated with other organizations to bring volunteer doctors and medical workers and provided equipment and medication during the two-day mission that helped nearly 1500 Colombians in an area disrupted by recent flooding. (U.S Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jason B. Baker, USASOC PAO)

A volunteer doctor conducts an eye exam during a medical capabilities mission. Soldiers from a Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) civil affairs team works with the Colombian Air Force to provide medical support to the town of Molambo in the northeast region of Colombia. The CA Soldiers coordinated with other organizations to bring volunteer doctors and medical workers and provided equipment and medication during the two-day mission that helped nearly 1500 Colombians in an area disrupted by recent flooding. (U.S Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jason B. Baker, USASOC PAO)