Luis Eduardo and Andres

LT Cely, USNS Comfort

These adorable young boys, 12 and 10 years, arrived on our ship in Tumaco. I met them while they were in disbelief they had front seats to Juanes’s concert on the flight deck. This was the beginning of 11 days of adventure. They were our guests at the Hotel/2FWD and many times I had to ask myself: Who is having more fun… us or the kids. After learning a little bit of their rough journey thus far on earth, we were able to understand why they were having so much fun with us. How can two boys that have endured so much, seem so happy and be so loveable to strangers? That’s when I was reminded of how pure kids are, how they sense people that are genuine and open to give love unconditionally.
Luis Eduardo was burned at the age of 10 months. He never had a stable home environment, and moved from family member to family member. For a few years his mother used him to beg for money in the streets. A foundation found him and taught him to read, but this didn’t last long since it ran out of money and closed. He fell back into the streets and begged until about 6 months ago when “El Bienestar Familiar” found him and placed him in a foster home.
Andres was burned at the age of 5 while living with his brother and sister under a bridge. His mom works the streets and father is in prison and so they lost custody of the children. It has been about 4 years since Andres and his siblings have been in foster care with the same family.
Maria Jesus, their social worker, worked with the Ministry of health to have them seen at the Max Seidel school upon our arrival. Both were seen on the 1st day, were brought on Sunday since they came six hours by car, with surgery scheduled for Thursday and Friday respectively.
Our attachment w/ the boys was instantaneous. They were the only patients in our unit for a couple of days and got alot of one- to-one care. Before you knew it, they felt very comfortable with all the staff, and we took them everywhere on the ship, so they could have a little change in their environment. This turned into taking them for lunch and dinner to the galley, getting entire tours of the ship, getting into the helicopters, flight deck, bridge and tower, and sitting on the Captains Chair.
I felt that these 11 days with us were life-changing for the boys, while also leaving a footprint in the heart of those of us who shared so much with them. Luis Eduardo made sure that he let us know the following words which I will never forget: “I have never been given so much love in my life… Thank you”. Seeing them off on the flight deck was very challenging, since both couldn’t stop crying and didn’t want to leave. As I saw them walk away into the helicopter, my heart ached and yet I felt so proud to have had those two little souls come into our lives and having been able to bring so much joy into their lives. It reminded me that many times in life so much can be given with so little.
I received an E-mail thanking the Comfort for all that was done for the boys. Both were discharged from the military facility after an agonizing week of physical therapy which Luis Eduardo described as “hell”. The post operative care and physical therapy received was excellent as described by Maria Jesus. Both are back in their foster homes in Ipiales. I look forward to continuing my communication with them via E-mail. Thankfully with my frequent trips to Colombia, I hope to visit them in the future as well.

The most powerful ship in the Navy…

CAPT Negus, CP09 Mission Commander:

You never know what the day will bring. I just returned from lunch onboard COMFORT—yet another delicious meal prepared by the culinary specialists—where I sat down at a random table to meet, eat with, and learn from some of the people that make this mission so remarkable.

I had the good fortune to sit with PR2(AW) Bassallo, a parachute rigger attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26. He is responsible for ensuring the readiness of all the safety related equipment onboard each of our two helicopters. What is so interesting is that he is a Peruvian native, and has been in the Navy for about three years. He obtained his US citizenship through the Navy, and is only four classes shy of a Bachelor’s degree. His brothers are officers in the Peruvian Air Force (so they heartily endorse his work as a parachute rigger!). He spoke about the work he has done while at HSC 26, and the qualifications he has earned; he is no stranger to hard work and is thinking of applying for an officer program upon completion of his college program. The daily challenges of keeping his equipment ready under difficult conditions do not faze him the least.

I learned from him, as I do countless times a day, the strength of this mission lies in the character and diversity of the people involved.

My old theory was that the strength of any organization is a function of the character of the people involved, but my experience during CONTINUING PROMISE 09 has caused me to expand my thinking. As I look around the messdecks, and as I tour the sites far inland at our present location of El Salvador, I see scores of different groups of people who have all come together for this amazing mission: Army reservists working side by side with Project HOPE volunteers; Air Force technicians sweating side by side with private citizens from Latter-Day Saints; Dutch medical professionals laughing side by side with students from UCSD. In all we have had participants from 11 different countries, 18 different non-governmental organizations, and have a host of interagency support throughout our four month long deployment. In fact, my current Political Advisor, Ms. Melissa Francis, is a Foreign Service Officer with USAID stationed in San Salvador. Each person, and each organization, has something unique to offer to this mission. We simply could not do the things we do without everyone involved.

Earlier in the week I ate lunch with one of my sailors, Petty Officer Ruckus, who relayed how a Project HOPE volunteer told him that USNS COMFORT was “the most powerful ship in the Navy”. I thought that was a perfect description of this most magnificent ship.

I now understand that it is the character and diversity of the people onboard that give this ship—and this mission—its tremendous strength, and is found in the transforming magic that happens at every encounter in every country we visit. That combination of character and diversity of the people involved truly makes USNS COMFORT the most powerful ship in the Navy!

Greetings from the 2Aft ward on Comfort

LTjg Deegan, USNS Comfort Nurse:

As a nurse here on the USNS Comfort, I work in the 2 Aft Ward. It is a post-surgical unit comprised of patients from all ages. The men, women, and children return from surgery to the ward to begin the recovery process. The ward is usually busy with patients coming and going. Patients on average stay with us for a night before it is time for them to leave. It is important for us to ensure that the patients and their escorts have everything they need to go home. Often we see ophthalmology, gynecological, orthopedic, and oral-maxillofacial cases. The ward is an open-bay which forces all patients, regardless of gender, age, or type of surgery, to be in one room. This was a tough transition as I was accustomed to private rooms for each patient back at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland where I am currently stationed.

The nurses on 2 Aft work closely with the corpsmen to accomplish the daily tasks needed to maintain a safe and serene place for the patients to recuperate. The nurses are a mix of United States military-active duty and reserves, foreign military and civilian volunteers. All organizations come together to provide competent and compassionate care. The reserve military members and civilian volunteers typically stay for a couple countries before departing.
So far, my favorite part of the mission has been experiencing the many different personalities and cultures of each country we visit. We have been to five countries to date. Each has shown their own unique qualities. In Haiti, the patients were curious and inquisitive. The Dominicans enjoyed playing cards and socializing. Antigua had the island feel. Panamanians were more reserved and the Colombians kept us busy!

It has been great to get to know all of the patients and their stories, especially the ones who stay longer. I am unable to speak Spanish or Haitian Creole. This has made communication at times difficult, but a smile and laugh mean the same in every language.

Commodore Negus takes command, talks about Colombia mission

From CAPT Tom Negus, Mission Commander of Continuing Promise 2009:

Lives forever changed...

Over the last ten or so days, something of incalculable significance was happening in the tiny town of Tumaco on the very southern-most peninsula on the Pacific side of the beautiful country of Colombia. Something so amazing that it could someday transform the world as surely as any other global event. What was this incredible event that had people crying in the streets and yet laughing in each others' arms all at the same time?

It was the visit to this tiny town of the international, interagency, and inter-service team of compassionate humanitarians onboard the USNS COMFORT that came to provide a host of medical, dental, veterinary, and engineering services to the oft-forgotten town of Tumaco, home to almost 200,000 of Colombia's neediest people.

It is my humbling privilege to lead this amazing team as Mission Commander for CONTINUING PROMISE 09. I am CAPT Tom Negus, and I just relieved CAPT Robert "Linus" Lineberry as Mission Commander while this magnificent ship was moored in the harbor of Tumaco, Colombia.

Throughout the 6-17 June visit of the COMFORT over 16,000 Colombian citizens were treated by an inexhaustible team of doctors, nurses, and corpsman of every service from 10 different nations, including Colombian providers. Over 1,100 livestock were treated by dedicated veterinarians, who saved animals lives and farmers' livelihoods in this region of Colombia--an area whose citizenry often make brave decisions in choosing not grow the cocoa leaves as demanded by narco-traffikers. Dentists treated thousands of people who had never been to a dentist in their lives, alleviating pain and discomfort that many had come to accept simply as their lot in life. And the mighty Seabees built an incredible school complex consisting of three classrooms, a kitchen, and --most important judging by the kid's reactions--a brand new playground on a field where previously only a single structure stood before. This new complex is a first for the students of the Exporcal neighborhood; truly the poorest of the poor, where the tidal estuary that snakes beneath their previous school--two stilted schoolroom shacks-- served as both bathing and recreation area and sewer.

There were a host of magical moments, as there are at every stop along this incredible journey called "CONTINUING PROMISE 09", too innumerable to count, as the spark of compassion generated by genuine human to human interaction amongst people who otherwise might never have know of the other brightens the spirit of all who participate. And it is truly that spark, generated one encounter at a time, one patient at a time, that makes CONTINUING PROMISE truly a magical journey. The magic that changes conditions, and changes attitudes, and changes lives--a magic that can someday change even countries and continents--all done one smile at a time.

The Mayor of Tumaco--my friend Neftali Correa Diaz--told me as I was leaving, that history will now record the story of 365 year-old Tumaco in two parts: …time before COMFORT, and time after COMFORT...". Well my friend, I thought to myself, it is I who has been changed; for I believe I will in the future measure my life in terms of before and after this wonderful town of Tumaco.

Comfort Nurse talks about his experiences

ENS Jonathan Aukeman, Nurse onboard USNS Comfort:

In March of this year I walked on the USNS Comfort as a member of a group from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD to begin a four month humanitarian mission to countries in Central and South America. I spoke little Spanish and along with my coworkers had little insight into making the transition from a typical U.S. hospital mindset to the operational mindset needed for 8-10 day missions working on a ship in an open-bay ward.

Most of my time on the mission, I have worked down on the 2 AFT post surgical Ward, caring for patients aboard the ship. Following recovery in the PACU, the large majority of patients are brought down the elevator to 2 AFT. On the unit, staff from a variety of cultures, including Active Duty Navy Nurses and Corpsmen, nurses and assistants from the Church of Latter Day Saints, Canadian Nurses and Medics, Air Force Nurses, United States Navy Reserve Nurses and Corpsmen, Project Hope Nurses, and Army Medics have collaborated to create an optimally performing unit. I think most people would say (or would say they think) providing humanitarian healthcare and services is a great thing to do, likewise, the staff on 2 AFT realizes the uniqueness of the opportunity we have been enabled to provide.

Nursing and providing compassionate service to others is in most circumstances a very rewarding job. Working on the 2 AFT Ward, that has definitely been true. Like most people, I want to know that my work is producing something. To be able to point to something, for example a number of people fed, and say “This was worth it.”

In that spirit, I recognize that today I handed out meals to roughly 70 patients and escorts. Clearly, there is only so much you can do in 8-10 day’s time; however, for surgical patients the difference is beyond doubt.

One of the most humbling experiences for me has been requests for autographs by patients, that we have been able to go talk and interact with patients makes a critical impression. The impression made has been significant to all involved.

Goodbye from Captain Lineberry

Captain Bob Lineberry, outgoing Continuing Promise 2009 Mission Commander:

It has been an honor to be the Mission Commander for CONTINUING PROMISE 09, the men and women of the incredibly gratifying mission have been absolutely dedicated to bring these essential healthcare services to thousands who are in need.

Over the past five countries our international humanitarian team onboard COMFORT has provide essential healthcare to over 60,000 individuals who might have never had access to such services. They have done this with an unbelievable dedication and passion for the past 2 ½ months, only stopping to consider what else might be done to help those in need. I have a new appreciation for those that serve to bring healthcare to others and to those that give without want, our humanitarian organizations that we have been fortunate to team with during CP09. Continuing Promise has provided us with an excellent opportunity for all our team mates to participate in building relationships, strengthen partnerships and help bring security and prosperity to others in the Americas.

My relief, CAPT Tom Negus is a good friend and outstanding leader that will continue the promise, bring hope and reassure our strong commitment to partners and friends as we face challenges together. I thank you all for your wonderful support and God Bless!

Juanes Made My Day in Colombia!!

LT Dinorah Cely, USNS Comfort:

I must say, Colombia being one of the countries on our Humanitarian journey was a tremendous motivator for me. As a native Colombian I felt such pride to be coming and assisting my beautiful people. Finding out that Juanes was joining forces with our mission here in Tumaco, validated what I have always thought of this amazing human being. He is really a man of his word and makes it a point to remind his people that they are not forgotten, no matter what region of Colombia they live in or what their social status may be.

While waiting for Juanes in CASREC, my anxiety was high, but I knew I had to stay calm and focused. He is the composer/writer of all his own music, and writes about the reality of life, struggle of the people in Colombia and reminds us that we must not lose hope or faith in what this country and its people can accomplish together. His charisma and humanitarian heart exceeds his artistic talent by far. For Colombian’s living in the USA, he represents pride, hope, commitment and resilience. He is known for being Colombia’s best Ambassador, and this is one of the biggest reasons I am such a fan and why I was so ecstatic to have the pleasure of meeting him.

Juanes turned out to be nicer than I had imagined, he is humble and down to earth. He put me at ease from the moment I introduced myself and it was just so enjoyable being around him. My most memorable experience was his interaction with the children in the inpatient unit. I loved the one on one attention he gave the children and their caretaker by requesting no media coverage so that he could give them his undivided attention.

Having being a part of this event was a privilege and one I will never forget.

Little girl in Colombia wins hearts of CP09 team

LT Albert Cruz, Civil Affairs, ACE Team:

CP09: The Story of a Civil Affairs Officer and the Young Girl with the Broken Crutch at Max Seidel School, Tumaco, Colombia. She has been, so far, the highlight of my trip. Asking her mother about the young girl's disability, her mother replied she stepped on a live electrical wire when she was young. Although she's handicapped, she's bubbly and has a warm heart...always asking questions, and always wanting "peluchos" (stuffed animals). That's how we came in contact. She won me over after that. The part that moved me besides her spirit was that her single crutch broke. The bolt broke off. It was an old crusted crutch with tape and rust. She was happy of that crutch. Anyhow, she came to me and asked me if I could fix it. It took me 10 seconds to realize we had a Physical Therapy Unit who have wheelchairs and to my surprise new crutches. Without saying anything to her I walked her to the two corpsman, asked them for a favor, and sure enough, they gave her new crutches. The look on her face was priceless. She looked up at me and smiled. The two corpsman were nice enough to give her two pairs. In short, it was a moving moment, making the trip, the long nights, the headache, and sunburn all worth it.

We are in Tumaco, Colombia!

Greetings from Capt. Bob Lineberry, Mission Commander of Continuing Promise 2009!

What an incredible start in Tumaco, Colombia! The Colombian officials, US Embassy and the people of Tumaco were very ready for COMFORT and our humanitarian team. The first few days here we have been extremely successful seeing many patients and have scheduled 215 surgeries onboard COMFORT.

We were honored to have the coolest US diplomat of all time Ambassador Brownfield onboard COMFORT. A proud Texan and icon in Latin America, he had the crowd and media going full speed all day. His good friend by his side was Juanes, a true humanitarian and superstar, Juanes performed two concerts on the first day of the medical operation at the opening ceremony and for the crew onboard COMFORT that evening. Juanes was gracious enough to lend his support for the CONTINUING PROMISE mission and accepted donations for his organization Mi Sangre Foundation to help victims of anti-personnel mines and is a Goodwill Ambassador for United for Colombia, a non-profit organization that raises awareness about the impact of land mines within Colombia.

Our hard-charging Seabees are building three school buildings and a kitchen in Exporcol neighborhood, working with local residents the school rising is going to provide much needed space for children to attend school without doing it in shifts. This is our biggest engineering project for CONTINUING PROMISE 09.

Panama mission completed

Greetings from Captain Bob Lineberry, Continuing Promise 2009 Mission Commander:

It was an impressive performance by our humanitarian team in Colon, Panama. It was the second time Comfort was there in the past two years and the Panamanian officials prepared their team for an all hands effort. There were numerous medical professionals from Colon and all across the country to meet our team on the first day and we worked side-by-side throughout the mission.
Onboard COMFORT we conducted 174 surgeries and saw a total of 13,758 patients at 3 different medical sites. Our veterinarians on the ground saw 1,065 animals, mostly livestock and in the little town of Escuela Efrain Tejada, I was able to see them operate on a dog that was in need of some serious repair to relieve his suffering.

Our hardworking and always impressive Seabees worked at 3 different site this time out. At Puerto Escondido Medical Clinic they installed metal louvered windows, replaced interior doors, repaired sink and toilet, installed chain link fence around facility with one vehicle access gate, one pedestrian gate and double barbed wire with concertina wire on fence top to provide much needed security for the clinic. They also worked on a neighboring ball field, bringing it back to life by replacing 850 feet of 5 and 8-ft chain link fencing and poles, repaired a damaged roof on both dugouts, installed fall prevention fencing along the back of bleachers and filled and leveled the infield and outfield. The neighborhood kids helped too! Hi Mrs. Buchanan.

The U.S. Embassy and Military Group in Panama played a huge role setting us up for success, AMB Stephenson made several visits to Colon to assist and the President of Panama visited our sites and COMFORT to see firsthand our partnership in action with Panamanian healthcare providers.

Our international humanitarian team has grown, we have doctors from Brazil and a dentist from Panama to assist in our next stop in Tumaco, Colombia. First day there our good friend, superstar and humanitarian Juanes will team up with us to setup for our 12-day mission.