SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –
More than 110 U.S. servicemembers and Airmen from the Honduran Air Force Academy participated in a chapel hike Nov. 22 delivering more than 1,500 pounds of food to the village of El Negrito.
The volunteers delivered $1,300 in groceries from donations to the chapel hike program. The hike was also one of the largest ever participated in since the chapel began monthly hikes, said Air Force Capt. James Janecek, Joint Task Force-Bravo chaplain.
The partnership with the Honduran Air Force made the hike experience even more unique, the chaplain said.
"These events are also an important reminder to us that everyone is human," said Honduran Air Force Lt. Col. Jorge Cabrera, Honduran Air Force Academy deputy commander.
The Honduran commander also expressed the importance of working with their partners at JTF-Bravo.
"We always enjoy the opportunity to work with JTF-Bravo in activities that help support the community," he said.
Besides the unique opportunity to partner with the Honduran counterparts, it was the large number of volunteers that made the event so successful.
"We had expected maybe around 75 people, but I was overwhelmed by the generosity of support from the volunteers from JTF-Bravo and the Honduran Air Force," the chaplain said. "These servicemembers are already sacrificing so much, so it means a lot to me for them to come out on their own time and help people in need."
For some of the servicemembers, like Navy Chief Warrant Officer Lynn Cornett, the chapel hike is an anticipated monthly event.
"I always look forward to seeing their smiles and the warmth in their hearts," said Chief Warrant Officer Cornett, who made her fifth chapel hike. "When we arrive they always have the same response and it just motivates me to want to help more."
The chaplain also was impressed with people in the village.
"These hikes are a great opportunity to meet a new culture that is very appreciative and very family oriented," the chaplain said. "It's truly a blessing us to be able to help them for all right reasons."
The next chapel hike is scheduled for Dec. 6.