Tegucigalpa, Honduras –
U.S. Army Col. Steven Gventer, commander of Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-B), Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, and members of the Task Force, met with Maj. Gen. Tito Livio Moreno Coello, Honduran Armed Forces Chief of Staff, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, June 9, to discuss the long-standing U.S. and Honduran partnership.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to meet with our host nation’s military leaders,” said Gventer. “Building partner capacity and supporting our partners is foundational to our success in the region. The relationships with our neighbors across Central and South America, as well as the Carribean, ensure regional and U.S. security.”
Based out of Honduras for more than 37 years, JTF-Bravo works with partner nations to strengthen relationships and support U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) operations throughout Central America, South America and the Caribbean, spanning from disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, to countering transnational organized crime and maintaining readiness.
In accordance with the USSOUTHCOM lines of effort, the U.S. military builds regional security through sustained engagement in order to deter adversaries, preserve stability, support allies and partners and cooperate with others to address challenges.
During the meeting, Moreno presented three members of JTF-B with Medals of Merit for their efforts during Hurricane Eta and Iota relief operations and for their work over the last year.
“It’s important that we recognize merits, virtues and exceptional work, and that is precisely what we are doing today,” said Moreno. “As military members, decorations mean a lot to us. However, the best medals we carry are those of friendship and brotherhood. Thank you for your support, for the work that you do and for your professionalism.”
The Medal of Merit is awarded to military, civilian, national and international institutions in recognition of exceptional meritorious service.
U.S. Army Col. Christopher O'Gwin, Army Support Activity commander at Soto Cano Air Base, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kelly Boian, operations director with JTF-B, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Gregory Roberts, deputy commander with JTF-B, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Peter Thayer, civil affairs director with JTF-B, were each recognized.
“I am so proud of the men and women of Joint Task Force-Bravo, and thankful for our great relationship with the people of Honduras,” said Gventer. “Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, and partner nations truly make a measurable and positive impact across the region.”