Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Salute: Kudos to the Guam Army National Guard for aid efforts in RP

From the Pacific Daily News (Sep 30): Salute: Kudos to the Guam Army National Guard for aid efforts in RP

A Guam Army National Guard Medic assists with taking vital signs on residents of Tacloban City, Philippines, during a recent medical/dental readiness event at Northern Tacloban National High School in New Kawayan. Courtesy Maj. Josephine Blas, Guam National Guard

A Guam Army National Guard Medic assists with taking vital signs on residents of Tacloban City, Philippines, during a recent medical/dental readiness event at Northern Tacloban National High School in New Kawayan. Courtesy Maj. Josephine Blas, Guam National Guard

We commend the members of Guam Army National Guard who assisted more than 1,600 people during a recent two-day medical mission in still-recovering Tacloban City in the Philippines. The Guard members joined medical professionals from the armed forces of the Philippines and local health workers to conduct medical and dental missions in two locations.

The medical mission was part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program and helps to strengthen relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States. The Philippines is the state partner to the Guam National Guard.

Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in November 2013, causing widespread destruction. Thousands died and about 4.1 million were displaced.

The Guam Army National Guard's Medical Detachment brought two dentists, a nurse and a team of medics, who were joined by doctors, dentists and medical staff from the armed forces of the Philippines and a local community hospital to provide dental and medical procedures, and minor surgeries, to the local residents.

"We really appreciate all that is being done for the people of Tacloban City," said Basilisa D. Negru, the principal of Marasbaras National High School, which was the site of the first day of the medical mission. "Since the calamity of the typhoon last year, we have been slowly rebuilding and are very thankful for the help that has been provided by the Guam National Guard."

The Guard's participation in the medical mission follows medical missions performed by a team of Guam doctors and medical professionals. The Guam Medical Association partnered with Philippine-based St. Luke's Medical Center for three medical missions to help survivors of the typhoon.

Guam's community displayed an outpouring of support following the disaster, and we thank everyone in Guam involved in the relief efforts -- the medical missions, groups that held fundraisers, and all those who made donations. These efforts highlight the best parts of our island community -- the care and concern for those who need help so desperately.

http://www.guampdn.com/article/20140930/OPINION01/309300013/Salute-Kudos-Guam-Army-National-Guard-aid-efforts-RP

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