Airmen, Soldiers conduct MEDRETE exercise in Guatemala during BTH

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Malacatán, GUATEMALA - Airmen of the 59th Medical Wing, based out of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, along with members of Task Force Arriero's Partnership of the America's Command and Control Element (PACCE), were in the municipality of Malacatan, San Marcos for the start of a medical readiness training exercise (MEDRETE) April 30.

MEDRETE, as part of U.S. Army South's and U.S. Southern Command's Beyond the Horizon, is a five day mini exercise set to focus on key medical issues in the area to include basic pediatric, optometry, dental, dermatology care, as well as internal medicine support to the people of San Marcos and surrounding areas.

"Our whole team is thrilled to be here further cultivating the already strong relationship shared by the United States and Guatemala," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Roberts, commander of the 59th Maternal Child Care Squadron and one of the senior U.S. officers on the ground. "We know these exercises will further solidify our ability to operate together."

The citizens of the area had been expecting this event for quite some time and it showed. The first day of the event was considered a huge success. An estimated 932 citizens were taken care of, exceeding projected numbers. BTH and the MEDRETE is a joint effort between U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and the Guatemalan army.

BTH 2012 is a U.S. Army South planned exercise that deploys military engineers and medical professionals to Guatemala for training, while providing services to rural communities. BTH's are conducted annually in SOUTHCOM area of responsibility and are part of its humanitarian and civic assistance program.

"I'm glad our two countries are working together and I expect this partnership to continue," said Col. Edgar Dario Sandoval of the Guatemalan Army, "I have a great outlook for the future concerning this event."

The first day of the MEDRETE started at 8 a.m., with an opening ceremony, after which the citizens of San Marcos were treated.

"Ensuring the education of health, preventive diseases, and diagnosing the people of San Marcos is what this is all about," said Capt. Phillip Sanchez, PACCE medical planner.

The exercise is a combination of Airmen and Soldiers experiencing their first BTH as well as those returning for a second and third time.

"I think it's a kind and honorable gesture for the U.S. to show the people of Guatemala that we care," said Capt. Karla Dennard, an obstetrician and gynecologist here on her first BTH mission, "Being of Hispanic descent, it makes me feel great to be able to assist where I can."

After the MEDRETE in Malacatan is finished another will take place in neighboring Tecun Uman for another five days.