Two Perfect Gifts on the Fourth of July on COMFORT

Capt. Tom Negus

CP09 Mission Commander:

As millions of Americans celebrated the 4th of July in traditional ways back home in the States, this signature day was yet another work day for the CONTINUING PROMISE team. We were fortunate to have visiting with us that day the US Surgeon General, RADM Steven Galson, but otherwise it was another work day for us here visiting the Western coast of Nicaragua.
As I toured the sites that day with CAPT James Ware, the Commanding Officer of the Hospital onboard USNS COMFORT and the Surgeon General, I was struck by how appropriate it was that we were working on this Fourth of July day. It seems to me that when we celebrate the Fourth of July, we are celebrating the genius of our forefathers who in their wisdom and perseverance established a social order fundamentally based upon the inherent dignity of the individual. And as I toured our various medical sites dotted around western Nicaragua—that is exactly what I saw in the CONTINUING PROMISE team—respect and compassion from all the medical professionals that approached each individual before them with inherent dignity and concern.
Though the lines were long, and the heat was sweltering, people came from all over the region to be seen by our caring physicians. Each one was accepted with grace and compassion, and I was moved by the simplicity and purity of each encounter. No questions were asked about political party affiliation (apparently quite an issue in Nicaragua), religion, color of skin, or even whether they had shoes on their feet (most did not). All were accepted with the same compassion and concern as every other; and I thought to myself that this truly is one of the finest celebrations of the Fourth of July that I have ever seen…this demonstrated character of compassion that treats all with equality, all with respect, all with inherent dignity so deserved of each individual. A beautiful and perfect gift, I thought, to mark the 4th of July.
That night back aboard ship, as is our daily custom, we recognize a "Person of the Day" as selected by the CP09 Chiefs' Mess. The selection that day was Technical Sergeant Gwin-Goodin--the vocalist for our Air Force band. After receiving her certificate, coin, and requisite photo's, the crew coaxed her into singing a song--and she broke out into the most beautiful rendition of "God Bless America" any of us had ever heard. Very few dry eyes were found in the room during the standing ovation as she finished giving us the second perfect 4th of July gift of the day.