Photo By Sgt. Clay Beyersdorfer | Spc. Javier Romero (right), a civil affairs specialist with the 402nd Civil Affairs...... read more read more
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NACO, Honduras – It’s safe to say that Spc. Javier Romero was more than looking forward to his annual training exercise in Honduras.
Why?
For Romero, an Army Reserve civil affairs specialist with the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion out of Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, going to Honduras meant not only going on a training exercise in support of the Beyond the Horizons 2012 Honduras-mission, but going “home.”
Romero is a Puerto Rican native, who was actually born in New York, but a large part of his extended family resides in Honduras, including his uncle, an officer in the Honduran army, Lt. Col. Jorge Orlando Romero Galeano.
“I can’t even describe how I feel right now, being able to come here and not only do this mission, but being able to see my uncle,” Javier said. “It’s been such a long time since I have seen him in person.”
The phrase “long-time” is an understatement; the last time Romero had seen his uncle was two years ago.
But before that?
“Other than two years ago, the last time I had seen him was back in ’91-’92 when I was very young, I don’t even remember it,” Javier said.
His uncle Jorge is second in command at the Liceo Militar Del Norte, a military academy located in San Pedro Sula.
The institute can be compared to West Point, the U.S. Military Academy in New York. Students from ages 5-18 learn Honduran army tactics, as well as receive balanced education, including English lessons.
Jorge shared in Javier’s excitement in finally getting to see more of the Romero family.
“I am so very proud of the man he is becoming and what he is doing for the U.S.,” Jorge said. “He needed to come here and meet more of the family, we are all very happy to have him here.”
Javier credits his uncle as a big reason why he joined the Army himself.
“He sets such a good example. He is a very dedicated man, he loves his job,” Javier said. “I saw what the Army did for him, and how good of a person he was because of it. I love serving my country, and doing something to make my family proud.”
Jorge sees nothing but success in his nephews’ future.
“I couldn’t be happier that he is in the U.S. Army, he is one of the best armies in the world.” Jorge said. “He is making our family proud and making himself a better person. He is doing a lot of good things. The future for him is very bright”
While on his rotation, Javier also got to see his grandmother and one of his uncles.
Javier is not only enjoying the time spending with his family, but the BTH mission overall.
“This whole experience gives me such a gratifying feeling,” Javier said. “Not only to be able to help people out, but a country whose blood is in my veins.”
Beyond the Horizon Honduras is an Army South led exercise and is part of U.S. Southern Command humanitarian assistance program. BTH-Honduras has military engineers and medical professionals conducting training, while providing services to rural communities. U.S. Army engineers working with host nation personnel are building medical clinics and schoolhouses for the local Hondurans.
His uncle also appreciates the work being done as part of the BTH mission.
“It’s great to work with the U.S. they have been so supportive and helpful, and been one of our best allies,” Jorge said.
Even though Javier will leave Honduras as his two-week rotation finishes up, he plans on making the trip to Honduras again and again.
“I can’t wait to come back down and spend even more time with all of my family,” Javier said. “There are many people I haven’t even met yet, so whenever I can, I want to come down and visit as much as possible.”
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2012 10:17 |
| Story ID: | 89824 |
| Location: | SAN PEDRO SULA, HN |
| Hometown: | NEW YORK, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 281 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, It’s all in the family, especially in Honduras, by SGT Clay Beyersdorfer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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