EL LLANO DE LA PUERTA, COMAYAGUA, Honduras –
One hundred and twenty six members from Joint Task Force-Bravo participated in the 100th Chapel Hike, delivering food and essential items to 80 families in need Feb. 22 in El Llano de la Puerta, Comayagua, Honduras.
The 100th Chapel Hike saw JTF-B personnel, alongside the JTF-Bravo and Army Support Activities command teams, hike more than three miles round trip to the remote location of El Llano de la Puerta carrying 20 pounds of food per pack.
“This is purely voluntary and is a way for our members to serve with love,” said U.S. Air Force Chaplain Charles Blizzard. “To be able to go out into the communities and to connect with them one on one, provide something they need, and see firsthand the impact we are having, is incredible.”
What began as a small gesture of goodwill over two decades ago has blossomed into a powerful tradition of service and community engagement for JTF-Bravo members in Honduras. The Chapel Hike, a volunteer program where service members trek to remote villages carrying essential supplies, has become synonymous with JTF-Bravo's commitment to the Honduran people.
While the exact year of the first hike remains unclear, former participants and long-time JTF-Bravo personnel place its origins in the 1980s. Inspired by a desire to go beyond their military mission and connect with local communities, a small group of service members began organizing weekend hikes to deliver food, clothing, and basic necessities to underserved families in the Comayagua region.
“What started years ago as just a few people hiking on the weekend has turned into something much bigger,” said U.S. Army Col. Daniel Alder, JTF-Bravo commander. “I am honored to be here for the 100th and look forward to 100 more.”
Over the years, the Chapel Hike has touched the lives of countless Honduran families, providing not just material aid but also a tangible symbol of friendship and solidarity. The program's impact extends far beyond the goods delivered, fostering cultural exchange and building lasting bonds between JTF-Bravo and the communities they serve.