START HERE: Humanitarian mission to the Solomon Islands

 Several months ago,  the Army was looking for an anesthesiologist to participate in a two-week humanitarian mission to the Solomon Islands for August 2024.  Richard was thrilled when he was given this opportunity, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect.  Summer break would be over and the kids would be back in school, he wouldn't miss out on our family vacation plans and it wouldn't be a time when it would be as big of an inconvenience for his employer.  Regardless of convenience, when the Army calls you go! A question we are asked frequently is, "What about his job?" Again, when the Army calls you go.  Richard gave his military orders to his employer once he received them and by law, they just have to make it work.  

He will mostly be supporting the medical team on the island of New Georgia in the small village of Munda.  He will find ways the US can be of better assistance in their health care and report that back to his contacts back home.

I will admit when I found out about this mission, I had no idea where or what the Solomon islands were or where they are located.  If that's you too, here's a map: 

     

The other thing I was really naive about is the important battles that took place here during World War 2 and the many, many lives that were lost during that time.  
The Solomon Islands are 16 hours ahead of Texas.  It has been wild for me and the kids to start a day just as Richard finishes it.  

Richard has been having an amazing experience and has been doing such a great job documenting everything that has been happening in his travels, I wanted to share that with our friends and family, so thus, this blog was born. Enjoy! 

I now give you the writings of (Lieutenant Colonel) LTC Teames.

From, Shauna