944th CE deploys to El Salvador, adds wing to hospital

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen Razo
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Members of the 944th Civil Engineer and Medical Squadrons returned in May from a 90-day humanitarian mission in El Salvador.

The reservists were participating in "New Horizons 2006," a joint military humanitarian exercise where they were tasked in constructing a pediatric wing for a hospital.

It took two months to complete the clinic. Joining the 944th team were six members of the Arizona Air National Guard 161st CES from Sky Harbor.

The pediatric clinic was built in the province of Morazan, the poorest in El Salvador. The hospital treats those who can't afford medical care, said Lt. Col. Byron Dixon, 944th CES commander.

The crowded hospital would sometimes have up to eight pregnant women in one room.

As soon as the baby was born, the mother and infant were sent to the hallway. There was a critical need for the clinic, Colonel Dixon said.

The clinic was constructed from prefabricated hollow concrete walls sent from Canada.

"The hospital was a busy place," said Senior Master Sgt. Carl Herriage, 944th CES. "They do everything from eye exams through emergency care to a mortuary on site."

Because the team finished so quickly, they were able to add some extras to the clinic.

"They how have an electric stove, a digital-operated over and full countertops," Colonel Dixon said.