SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –
During a morning formation in front of the Medical Element facility here Feb. 14, U. S. Southern Command's top medical officer visited with the men and women carrying out the medical mission of Joint Task Force-Bravo.
Air Force Col. Sean Murphy, U.S. SOUTHCOM command surgeon, addressed the men and women of MEDEL, explaining that they are "medical diplomats" and that the medical mission is crucial to ensuring stability in the region.
"As medics, you are the tip-of-the-spear for U.S. SOUTHCOM," he said. "The service you belong to doesn't matter because when you go out the gate, you're a medic representing the United States."
Colonel Murphy directs and coordinates Health Services Support for all U.S. operations throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America, and serves as the principal medical advisor to the Combatant Commander, U.S. Southern Command.
"MEDEL has the incredible ability to deploy anytime and anywhere and respond quickly to any situation around Latin America and I feel it is important to visit with them on behalf of Admiral (James) Stavridis (USSOUTHCOM commander) and pass on our appreciation and gratitude for the work they do in this important region."
MEDEL provides health care support to personnel in the joint area of operations and coordinates humanitarian, civic assistance, and disaster relief to the nations of the Joint Area of Operations in cooperation with the Ministries of Health and the U. S. Agency for International Development.