A MEDRETE Merry Christmas in Talamanca
On December 18-19, the unfamiliar sight of two U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters appeared over the Talamanca region of Costa Rica, home to indigenous populations living in remote, poor and extremely challenging conditions. Operation “Gift of the Magi” was coordinated by Embassy San Jose’s Office of Defense Representative (ODR), and is the first Medical Readiness Training Exercise (MEDRETE) of its kind in Costa Rica. The MEDRETE brought 18 U.S. Army doctors and other medical personnel from Joint Task Force Bravo, Soto Cano Air Base Honduras, who joined with their Costa Rican counterparts – including two Asamblea Diputados who are themselves medical professionals – to evaluate and treat more than 600 indigenous inhabitants. Several in need of additional treatment were airlifted by the powerful Blackhawks to the nearest hospital in the port city of Limon.
The invaluable medical attention was supplemented by the delivery of nearly 4000 pounds of food supplied by the Costa Rican National Emergency Commission, along with toys, schoolbooks, clothes and other needed provisions. All involved were moved by the experience, including Ambassador Langdale, ODR’s Commander Camacho and Major Lopez Santana, who eloquently made the point to television media that this was indeed a gift of the season.
See video ( Courtesy of Channel 11- La Noticias, Quick Time Format)
JTF-Bravo deploys medics to Costa Rica for first time in more than three years
 |
Peace Corps volunteer Jordan Ripley
(center) provides translation for Major
Joanne Murphy, as she provides medical
care for an indigenous mother and
children in Talamanca. |
|
