From Capt. Bob Lineberry, Continuing Promise 2009 mission commander:
We have completed our mission on the Island of 365 Beaches. Although we did not see much beach time, with the exception of a few nurses, we did see to the needs of many. During our mission, we seen over 12,000 individual patients and provided nearly 43,000 separate healthcare services and conducted 161 surgeries to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. We had the opportunity to celebrate Nurses Week over the past several days, nurturing information sharing and gaining a true sense of compassionate service to others. During Nurse Week there were six nurses from Antigua and six nurses from COMFORT's team up to screen over 400 patients for blood pressure and diabetes, as well as providing Healthcare counseling at three different sites throughout the Island.
Our Veterinary team stayed extremely busy on both Islands seeing to the needs of many four-legged friends. Prior to work they met with Director of Department of Agriculture, Host Nation veterinarians and the Humane Society to discuss goals. They coordinated and worked side-by-side with Island veterinarians and owners demonstrating veterinary preventive medicine, safe animal handling and animal husbandry to livestock owners. MAJ Powell and his small team saw nearly 2,100 animals and conducted over 5,700 vet services.
One of the more interesting events during our visit was a jam session with the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Forces and AF South Band during a military subject matter expert exchange event. Nearly 30 musicians playing together for the first time and brought calypso music to the ears of the onlookers. The music was colorful and delightful, told stories of island life and the wonderful culture we have been witness to for the past 12 days while working with the people of Antigua and Barbuda. We now have many lasting memories and new friends we can add to our address books.
Now our Humanitarian team is going to have a brief stop in Cartagena, Colombia to recharge our batteries, take on many historic sites and buy some emeralds. After that, Panama!
My wife and I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the medical and non-medical services you provided while you were in Antigua and Barbuda. We had an opportunity to volunteer at the Multipurpose Center for five days and it was an extremely rewarding experience for us.
ReplyDeleteWorking outside with the crowds and monitoring the doors was challenging at times. However, we got pleasure in seeing happiness on the peoples faces after they were treated.
Capt. Hardy, I took a picture of your favorite dog at the closing ceremony.
I must say that the MVP goes to Davis who was out front everyday dealing with crowds; she gained the respect of everyone and made a lot of friends.
We wish you all well and continued success on your reming stops.
John & Marilyn