Mission in Honduras (The good that the military does that is not on the news)

From 8-31 January I went with a team of optomologist to Choluteca, Honduras to do eye surgeries for the needy. People who are blind because of cataracts. Kids with crossed eyes. Adults with growths on their eyes because of the harsh sun down there. For the first week we screened 497 patients! I have never dilated so many eyes in my life. For the next 9 days we performed 247 surgical procedures. The people were extremely grateful. Older people were able to see their grandchildren for the first time. This was all done with the cooperation of the Honduran government and the US military. Is this ever reported on the news? Do most North Americans hear about this? No, unfortunately not. Please spread the word for me.

This is by far one of the most gratifying things that I have done in my 21 years of active duty in the AF. During our time there the local scout troop volunteered their time. These were 10-16 year old girls and boys volunteering their time to be with us helping their people. They spent all day (10 hours) with no complaints. Their love was unconditional. I cannot say enough about their helpful, loving, accepting attitudes throughout the 3 weeks. I hate to say it, and of course this does not apply to all, but the kids in the US could learn a lot of selfless giving of time from these kids.

One evening we took some food to some people right across the street from our hotel that we were staying in. These people barely had anything. Shelter and clothes (barely) was all they had. The kids were dirty, no electricity, no running water, made ya want to cry. I will never think that I don't have enough ever again. One guy who had surgery tried to give us his money. He pulled out 3 crumpled lempiras from his pocket trying to put it in the docs had. 3 lempiras is maybe equal to 5 cents American. I left my maid at the hotel all my shoes that I had brought (came back with flip flops) and a few shirts and she was extremely grateful. Imagine, I was just going to throw them away when I got back because they were "old".

So if you don't think you have enough, think about it. There are so many without. Be happy with what you have.

Peace be with you.
Wes
Picture is of all the scouts that helped during the 3 weeks. Also three kids in their home.