Peru's chief of staff sees 'New Horizon'

  • Published
  • By Capt. David Tomiyama
  • Task Force New Horizons Public Affairs
AYACUCHO, Peru (AFPN) --  Dr. Luis Cabeña, Peru's Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defense, visited the New Horizons Peru 2008 base camp and project sites July 12 and 13. 

The U.S. Southern Command-sponsored program brings humanitarian assistance to the people of Peru.

After reading reports and stories about the New Horizons progress, Dr. Cabeña wanted to see the projects for himself, he said. 

There's an old Peruvian phrase that says, "Show me the facts; don't use words," officials said.

It's different from what you read in the newspapers or hear on the radio back in Lima when you see it yourself, said Dr. Cabeña through Capt. Aurelio Perez, the Task Force New Horizons liaison and protocol officer. What the military is doing is a benefit to our country; they've worked in a professional manner and have shown dedication in their work.

During his two-day visit, Dr. Cabeña visited the New Horizons base camp, the school construction site at Yanamilla, the medical clinic site at San Cristobal, and flew in an Army CH-47 Chinook to Azangaro, where Navy Seabees are drilling a well.

"I'm glad I got the opportunity to be here," Dr. Cabaña said through Captain Perez. "Everything I've seen here is incredible and I will let (the Peruvian Minister of Defense) know the great things that are being accomplished here and that he should attend the closing ceremony in August."

The New Horizons task force viewed the tour as an opportunity to showcase their mission, and were pleased with the results of the visit, members said.

"The task force was eager to show off their outstanding work," said Maj. Matt Joganich, the Task Force New Horizons commander. "Hearing Dr. Cabaña's compliments and positive feedback on our projects only reinforces the goodwill we've experienced working with and for the Peruvian people."

New Horizons-Peru 2008 incorporates a rotation of nearly 1,000 active duty, guard and reserve servicemembers from the Air Force, Navy, Army and Marines. During the three-month-long humanitarian mission, the task force will build two schools, three medical clinics, and two water wells, as well as host nine medical missions that will offer free medical care for the people of the Ayacucho region.

The overall New Horizons mission is an annual series of joint and combined humanitarian assistance to Latin America and Caribbean nations. These projects create a unique opportunity for the U.S. and partnering nations to work side-by-side to refine the skills of their militaries engineers, medical personnel and support staff through quality of life activities.

For more information about New Horizons, visit http://www.12af.acc.af.mil/library/newhorizons.asp.

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page