Secretary of the Army recognizes members of Joint Task Force-Bravo

by Capt. Steven Stubbs
Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs

8/14/2014 - SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras  -- Saying their efforts are invaluable to the growth and stability of Central America, the Army's top leader lauded members of Joint Task Force-Bravo Aug. 13 while in Honduras.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh recognized Soldiers and Airmen from the Medical Element and 612th Air Base Squadron fire department in a coining ceremony for their cooperation with the Comayagua Fire Department during a major vehicle accident response just outside the base where several people were trapped.

"Your courage, devotion and professionalism at the scene of that horrific and tragic accident speak volumes about this task force and this tremendous joint force that America repeatedly brings to bear to help try and make the world a better place." McHugh said.

While at Soto Cano McHugh also observed how the 1-228th Aviation Regiment, Army Forces Battalion, Medical Element, Joint Security Forces and 612th Air Base Squadron work together to promote security and stability in the Central America region.

"I can't stress enough the importance of the contributions to the security of the region that Joint Task Force-Bravo has made," McHugh told the Task Force members. "Your commitment to building and sustaining partnerships with the Central American nations will help strengthen their security capacity, disrupt transnational organized crime and improve citizen security which is the foundation for stable, prosperous and democratic societies."

McHugh also applauded the efforts of the service members here that provide much needed healthcare to the citizens of the region who often will travel several miles by foot to get there.

"The Army medical staff, working side-by-side with local medical teams and military forces, has provided medical care to more than 340,000 people in Central America since they started way back in 1993," McHugh said. "The treatment you provide to them fills the gap in the healthcare system of these countries."

During a town hall meeting with members of the task force McHugh expressed his appreciation for their efforts and how "they continually learn to collaborate in new ways".

"You've shown exactly what we can achieve when we break down barriers and build on one another's strengths," McHugh said.

McHugh said it was vital that service members of Joint Task Force-Bravo know that their hard work doesn't go unnoticed.

"We're deeply appreciative for what you do on a day-to-day basis in Central America. The work that you are doing is important, in fact invaluable, to the future growth and stability of this region."