Medical Missionaries News & Stories Archives - Medical Missionaries https://18.206.106.210/category/news-stories/ People of all Faiths Helping the Poorest of the Poor. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:08:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/cropped-Medical-logo-Final-e1546206592628-32x32.jpg Medical Missionaries News & Stories Archives - Medical Missionaries https://18.206.106.210/category/news-stories/ 32 32 Medical Mission January 2026 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/news-stories/medical-mission-january-2026/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=medical-mission-january-2026 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 22:42:25 +0000 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/?p=11829 Medical Mission trip to the Dominican Republic

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On January 29th, 2025 a team set of on a medical mission to the Dominican Republic. What began with a 4:00 AM airport scramble and a tense standoff with customs evolved into an unforgettable week of service, resilience, and deep connection in the heart of the borderlands. From the rugged, unpaved mountain passes of Bánica to the bustling open-air marketplaces of Los Cacaos, our team of doctors and volunteers navigated logistical hurdles and tropical heat to bring care to those who need it most.

Through the stories and photos below, we invite you to join us on the journey—one that spanned five remote villages, crossed international borders, and ultimately reached over 1,000 patients in just six days.

Mission Trip

Jan 29th - Flying to the DR

Our journey began in the quiet, early hours at Dulles International Airport, where the team gathered at 4:00 AM to navigate the first leg of our mission. Despite a few minor technical hurdles at check-in, we were cleared and ready at the gate shortly after. A quick flight brought us to Newark for a brisk, cold transfer between terminals—a sharp contrast to the tropical weather awaiting us. By the time we boarded our final flight to Santo Domingo, the energy was high, and three hours later, we stepped off the plane into the welcoming 80-degree warmth of the Dominican Republic.

The transition through the airport required a bit of strategy to ensure our supplies moved smoothly. While many of the team members were able to pass through passport control and customs without incident, we did encounter a significant delay with our equipment. Despite our best efforts to coordinate the arrival, five of our bags—containing both over the counter and prescription medicines —were held by customs for further processing. We successfully cleared eight bags, and while the temporary loss is a challenge, we remain optimistic as we work through the necessary paperwork to retrieve the remaining gear.

As evening falls, most of the group is making the long drive to Bánica.  Two of us remain in Santo Domingo to coordinate the recovery of our bags with the help of local contacts. We are incredibly grateful for the support of Fr. Pedro Mateo and others on the ground who are helping us navigate the local logistics. With one more team member arriving tonight, we hope to have our full crew and all of our equipment reunited by tomorrow morning so we can begin our work in earnest.

Jan 30th - Retrieve bags

The day began with a renewed sense of hope. After a late-night arrival, our final team member joined us for breakfast, marking the first time the entire group was together on the ground. We shared a few laughs over local fruit and southern traditions before diving into the day’s primary mission: navigating the complex logistics of customs to recover our held equipment.

By mid-morning, we were at the airport working through the necessary channels to clear our supplies. The process required us to secure a temporary importer license and undergo an inspection by the health department. Once we had the license, the health department official checked for to make sure that our medications met all expiration requirements. Despite the scrutiny—and a humorous moment clarifying that our open bottles of sunscreen were for personal use rather than distribution—we successfully cleared the hurdles. By mid-afternoon, we finally walked out of the airport with every bag in hand.

The journey from Santo Domingo to Bánica was an adventure in its own right. Navigating the “organized chaos” of Dominican traffic requires a stout heart and an expert driver, and we experienced both as we pushed westward. While the long hours on the road eventually took their toll on our weary joints, the elation of having our gear kept our spirits high. We finally rolled into the Center late that night to a warm welcome from the rest of the team. With the bags secured and the full crew reunited, we are finally ready to begin the work we came here to do.

Team visits the Banica caves
Finally able to get the bags from the authorities!!
Stopped to eat after collecting the bags on way to Banica!

Jan 31st - Sabana Higuero

The mission work officially began with an early start, a hearty breakfast, and—most importantly—plenty of coffee. By 8:30 AM, the team was loaded into the vehicles and heading out to Sabana Higuero to set up our first mobile clinic. The energy was high as we transitioned from the logistics of travel to the heart of our mission: providing healthcare to the community.

Our first session was a whirlwind of activity, serving 55 patients in just three hours. The clinic saw a remarkable range of people, with ages spanning from one-year-old toddlers to elders claiming to be 94 (though we suspect a few might have been rounding up for effect!). It was a successful and deeply rewarding morning that left the medical team energized and eager to reach even more people in the villages to come.

The work continued back at the Center through the afternoon as we pivoted to pharmacy logistics. We spent several hours sorting through our inventory and organizing medications to ensure everything is staged and ready for the busy days ahead. After a final team dinner and a successful first day of service, the “early bird” schedule is starting to catch up with us—we’re turning in early to rest up for tomorrow’s sunrise start.

Erich and Robert talking about intake.
Back at the center for lunch and then get medicines ready for next day.
Pharmacy at work.
Robert setting up patient intake.
Jessica keeping the line.
Patients waiting on medicine from the pharmacy
Patiently waiting
Jessica helping patients
Pharmacy in action
Sister Patricia sharing her soccer skills
Dr Smith set up labels for the pharmacy which will help our Spanish and Creole speaking patients.
Pharmacy being set up.
Pharmacists at work.
Dr Smith checking on a patient.

Feb 1st, Pilon

The journey to our second clinic site took us off the beaten path—literally. Traveling south from Bánica in open-air trucks, we spent over 30 minutes navigating rugged, unpaved roads that wound through steep hills and rural landscapes. The drive offered a raw look at the local environment, passing free-roaming livestock and humble homes before arriving at the village of Pilon. Even before we could offload our gear, a crowd of over 30 people was already waiting, signaling just how much our presence was needed in this remote area.

Setting up the clinic was an exercise in “organized chaos.” We transformed a local home and its surrounding yard into a full-service medical center, with doctors stationed both on the shaded veranda and out in the open air. Managing the flow of 225 patients required constant coordination—balancing intake, numbering, and crowd control to ensure everyone was seen in an orderly fashion. Despite the logistical challenges of keeping everyone in line while the pharmacy worked at top speed, the team moved with incredible efficiency, providing care to everyone from infants to the elderly.

The day didn’t end when the last patient was seen. Back at the Center, the team shifted gears into administrative and preparatory work. While some organized the pharmacy for tomorrow’s site, others focused on digitizing patient records to ensure the data from our 225 consultations was preserved for future reporting. We capped off the exhausting but fulfilling day with a traditional Dominican stew and a deep discussion about the long-term impact of medical missions, grateful for the chance to serve such a community.

Back of the truck is the only way to travel.
Heading to Pilon, DR
Lots of folks wanting to be seen
Never know what someone will wear 🙂
Dr. Smith seeing patients
Everyone patiently waiting to be seen
In line to get medicines from the pharmacy
View of the line for the pharmacy
Five heading home after being seen
The morning began with a crisp, cool breeze—a welcome change of pace as the team fueled up with a warm breakfast before heading out. By 8:15 AM, we arrived at **El Corbano**, where we quickly set to work transforming a small compound into a functioning medical site. Using a covered outdoor area for intake and consultations and a local chapel for our pharmacy, we were able to create an organized flow that respected the local space while maximizing our efficiency. Managing the clinic required some creative logistics. We repurposed church pews as waiting benches to help guide patients from the compound entrance through to intake and finally to the doctors. This system allowed us to treat **145 patients** by midday. Each location teaches us something new about our workflow, and we are already planning ways to further streamline the intake process to reduce wait times and see even more people in the coming days. The afternoon provided an opportunity for the team to gain a deeper perspective on the local healthcare environment. A few members walked into Bánica to visit the local hospital and pharmacy, a sobering experience that underscored the vital importance of the mission’s work. While there, we were also able to procure additional essential medicines locally, ensuring our pharmacy remains well-stocked for the duration of the trip. Back at the mission center, the late afternoon was spent in a familiar routine: inventorying supplies and prepping for the next village. With the logistics handled and the data entered, the team enjoyed some well-earned downtime—including a few lessons in the local card game, *Bisca*—before gathering for a hearty spaghetti dinner. --- **Would you like me to create a "Notes from the Field" section that highlights the specific differences we observed at the local hospital?**
The morning began with a crisp, cool breeze—a welcome change of pace as the team fueled up with a warm breakfast before heading out. By 8:15 AM, we arrived at **El Corbano**, where we quickly set to work transforming a small compound into a functioning medical site. Using a covered outdoor area for intake and consultations and a local chapel for our pharmacy, we were able to create an organized flow that respected the local space while maximizing our efficiency. Managing the clinic required some creative logistics. We repurposed church pews as waiting benches to help guide patients from the compound entrance through to intake and finally to the doctors. This system allowed us to treat **145 patients** by midday. Each location teaches us something new about our workflow, and we are already planning ways to further streamline the intake process to reduce wait times and see even more people in the coming days. The afternoon provided an opportunity for the team to gain a deeper perspective on the local healthcare environment. A few members walked into Bánica to visit the local hospital and pharmacy, a sobering experience that underscored the vital importance of the mission’s work. While there, we were also able to procure additional essential medicines locally, ensuring our pharmacy remains well-stocked for the duration of the trip. Back at the mission center, the late afternoon was spent in a familiar routine: inventorying supplies and prepping for the next village. With the logistics handled and the data entered, the team enjoyed some well-earned downtime—including a few lessons in the local card game, *Bisca*—before gathering for a hearty spaghetti dinner. --- **Would you like me to create a "Notes from the Field" section that highlights the specific differences we observed at the local hospital?**
Almost done. Everyone has been seen.
Waiting in line for intake.
Jessica giving stickers, toothpaste and toothbrushes to the younger visitors.
Goats on the road as drive to the clinic.
Part of the team traveled by van today.
Getting ready to head out.
Reny enjoying her time
Patiently waiting to be seen
Sitting quietly after receiving vitamins, and other items
Jacques listening to a patient
Jennifer hard at work.
Dr Yi working hard
Dr Contreras listening to a patient
Dr Smith and Dr Bazaco
Dr Yi checking symptoms
Dr Contreras with a patient
Erich working intake
Robert asking for details on an ailment
Erich getting blood pressure
Getting pharmacy set up
Patiently waiting for medicines
Near Banica
Riding back to the Center after completing the Clinic
Dr Smith waiting for the next patient.
Dr Sok enjoying a moment of rest.
Not much space to lay out the pharmacy, but we made do.
Waiting for medicine
David giving instructions on how to take the meds
Goats walking aroud.
Team getting ready to head out.
Ed (and Erich snaking in) with some of the translators
Waiting at the pharmacy.

Feb 2nd - El Corbano

The morning began with a crisp, cool breeze—a welcome change of pace as the team fueled up with a warm breakfast before heading out. By 8:15 AM, we left for El Corbano, where we quickly set to work transforming a small compound into a functioning medical site. Using a covered outdoor area for intake and consultations and a local chapel for our pharmacy, we were able to create an organized flow that respected the local space while maximizing our efficiency.

Managing the clinic required some creative logistics. We repurposed church pews as waiting benches to help guide patients from the compound entrance through to intake and finally to the doctors. This system allowed us to treat 145 patients by midday. Each location teaches us something new about our workflow, and we are already planning ways to further streamline the intake process to reduce wait times and see even more people in the coming days.

The afternoon provided an opportunity for the team to gain a deeper perspective on the local healthcare environment. A few members walked into Bánica to visit the local hospital and pharmacy, a sobering experience that underscored the vital importance of the mission’s work. While at the pharmacy, we were also able to procure additional essential medicines, ensuring our pharmacy remains well-stocked for the duration of the trip.

Back at the Center, the late afternoon was spent in a familiar routine: inventorying supplies and prepping for the next village. With the logistics handled and the data entered, the team enjoyed some well-earned downtime—including a few lessons in the Portuguese card game, Bisca—before gathering for a hearty spaghetti dinner.

Pharmacy gang
Patrick in the ppharmacy
Gave a ride to some patients who came to the clinic.
Robert at work
Pharmacy set up
Dr Bazaco, Reny and a patient.
Used a church as the pharmacy.
intake and docs
Dr Contreras seeing a patient
Heading to El Orbano
Jessica having fun
Erich getting information during intake.
Intake and doctors were placed underneath this covering.
Setting up before patients arrive
Everyone received a toothbrush, toothpaste and vitamins until we ran out.
Blind patient had ingrown toenails that Dr Smith was able to cut and clean.
Everyone waiting patiently for their turn
Dr Jacques waiting for the next patient.
Waiting patiently for intake
Erich getting important info.
Heading to El Orbano
Heading back to the Center
Dr Yi with a patient

Feb 3rd - El Morro

The day began with a bracing “Dominican wake-up call”—a cold shower that definitely didn’t need a water heater to feel refreshing. After a quick breakfast, we set out for El Morro at 08:15. The drive was a stunning, albeit bumpy, roller coaster through the countryside. We navigated unpaved roads and steep hills, sharing the landscape with majestic mountains and an array of local residents: goats (the baby “billies” were a team favorite), pigs, burros, and horses meandering along the route.

Our arrival at the clinic site was surprisingly quiet at first due to some communication gaps in the village. However, the momentum shifted quickly as word spread. Patients began arriving in waves—some walking, others piled into the back of pickups we sent to fetch them. By the time we closed up shop, we had treated 72 patients. While the turnout was lighter than expected, the flexibility of the team ensured that everyone who made the trip was seen and cared for.

As the sun set, the weather turned unexpectedly cool and windy, prompting us to move our dinner and evening “hangout” inside the kitchen. With the pharmacy inventory already staged for tomorrow and the patient data logged into our records, we enjoyed a rare bit of quiet downtime.

Pharmacy at work
Driving in the DR
Lunch at the Center
Intake, and then to see a doc
Robert waiting to intake patients
Driving in the DR
Not enough people knew that we were coming, so the truck went to pick some up.
Reny the translator
David explaining medications to a patient
Jessica the ambassador
El Morro
Getting ready to head out
Some of the crew in the pharmacy
Jessica and her fan club
Getting down to their level
Pharmacy was outside today
Erich getting ready for intake
El Morro
Dr Smith seeing a patient
Getting ready to see a doctor.
Paula with cuties
El Morro
Ed showing the right way to hold on
Picking the medicines for a patient
Dr Smith and a patient
Robert at intake
Jessica cheering the kids up.
Paula with the young ones
The Pharamacy Crew
Jacques styling 🙂
Laura and Jessica hanging out in Pedro Santana
Heading to El Morro
Always looking for attention 😉
Back at the center, preparing the pharmacy for the next day
Pharmacy hard at work
Jessica at the river that splits Haiti from the DR in Pedro Santana (rt 45 bridge)
Dr Bazaco with a patient
David with a friend

Feb 4th - Los Cacaos

The anticipation for our arrival at Los Cacaos was high, as we expected this to be our busiest clinic day yet. We set up our mobile medical station in a local marketplace characterized by rows of stone tables usually reserved for market days. Upon arrival, the team jumped straight into action—not just medically, but logistically. We coordinated a quick cleanup of the area, which included dousing a smoldering trash fire nearby to ensure a clean, safe environment for the patients waiting to be seen.

The clinic flow was one of our most successful to date, thanks in large part to the local guards who provided essential translation between Creole and Spanish. Their assistance allowed us to accurately gather vitals and histories for a diverse group of patients. By midday, we had treated 225 individuals. The organization was seamless; we managed to move a large volume of people across the street and through intake with an orderly “snake” line, ensuring that every person was seen without the doctors ever losing momentum.

Between sessions, Pete and Dr Bazaco ventured across the border into the Haitian side of Los Cacaos to visit a local clinic. The journey required navigating rugged, rocky terrain, offering a firsthand look at the challenging conditions and the resilience of the people living there. Back at the Center, the afternoon was dedicated to dual tasks: staging the pharmacy for our final clinic day and carefully organizing the rest of the medical supplies and equipment that we would be sending to St. Joseph Clinic in Haiti to support their ongoing healthcare needs.

To celebrate a successful day of service, the team took some time to immerse themselves in the local culture. We visited a nearby bodega, where the air was thick with loud music and the sound of spirited domino games. The evening concluded back at the Center with a hearty dinner and a night of card games and laughter. We are ready to head back into Los Cacaos tomorrow for our final push, hopeful for a smooth completion and a successful transfer of supplies.
Los Cacaos sign. The name is shared between DR and Haiti
George with a youngster
Arriving at Los Cacaos and beginning to deal with burning trash (smoke in the background)
Jessica tries her hand at wheelies
Playing by the clinic
Robert and Erich hamming it up
On the way to Los Cacaos
Jessica the ambassador
Goats going for a walk in Banica
Patrick giving directions
Robert getting vitals
Dr Smith with a patient
Dr Mari helping out in the pharmacy
Dr Smith with a youngster
A doctor from Los Cacaos came to help.
Los Cacaos medical clinic
A hotel (in the future) in Los Cacaos
A herd of donkeys seen on the way to Los Cacaos
Waiting in the shade for their turn
Dr Bazaco filling a prescription
Group of patients waiting for the clinic to start
Dr Contreras with a patient
Everyone working hard
DR and Haiti border
Line for the pharmacy
DR and Haiti border
Robert getting blood pressure from a patient
Laura helping out
Patiently waiting to be seen
Just a few more to be seen today.
Pharmacy managing the onslaught of requests
Stream in Los Cacaos.
Los Cacaos medical clinic
Dr Bazaco walking back from Las Cacaos
Getting a list of ailments during intake
David getting ready to join the DR military
RIver between DR and Haiti
At the DR and Haiti border
Erich working intake
Dr Contreras seeing a reticent patient
Lottery house in Los Cacaos. DR and Haiti have lots of lottery places
Robert getting information from a patient
Los Cacaos market stlls
Border gate between Haiti and DR
Patiently waiting
Getting ready to head out to Los Cacaos for a clinic
After a long day, sitting around the Center laughing
Dr Smith with a patient
Dr Yi filling out a prescription
Line for the pharmacy
Los Cacaos medical clinic
Dr Bazaco in Los Cacaos
Line for the pharmacy
All different types of transportation
Team picture before starting up
Dealing with the heat
Dr Bazaco walking through Los Cacaos
Los Cacaos, Haiti. The green building to the right and background are part of a school complex
Across the border, into Haiti, to take a picture of a car with a Haitian license plate
Pharamacy for the Los Cacaos clinic is very bare

Feb 5th - Los Cacaos Part 2

Our final day of clinic work began with a classic “mission life” reminder that things don’t always go as planned—starting with an empty cistern and a morning without running water. After a quick fix and a bit of improvising, the team was fueled, packed, and ready for our return to Los Cacaos. The day was particularly significant as it marked our scheduled rendezvous at the border with Junior, St Joseph Clinic manager from Thomassique, who had been waiting at the bridge since 07:00 to coordinate a major transfer of medical supplies.

The atmosphere at the marketplace was even more energetic than the day before, with a much larger crowd gathered and eager for care. Logistics were the name of the game: we worked quickly to reorganize the flow, moving patients into the shade and establishing a more efficient queue. Junior and his colleagues became an invaluable part of the team, bridging the communication gap through translation and helping us navigate the intake process. Despite some bottlenecks and the sheer volume of people, the team’s persistence paid off. By the time we closed the doors slightly after noon, we had seen a staggering 320 patients in a single session.

The conclusion of the clinic also marked the successful handover of several suitcases of medications and supplies to Junior for his three-hour journey back to Thomassique. With the heavy lifting done, the team spent a quiet afternoon reflecting on our impact. A walk through the local market in Bánica and a final data-entry session confirmed the magnitude of our efforts: over 1,030 patients served in just six days. We’re heading home with exhausted bodies but full hearts, already brainstorming ways to make our next mission even more effective.

 
Waiting to be seen
Robert and Dr Smith working together
Clinics are done! A beer, and then some dinner.
Pharmacy working as quickly as possible
The team with a St Joseph Clinic (Haiti) social services doctor.
Working with Junior (in wheelchair) to get temperature, gender and age.
Dr Smith interacting with a patient
Paula and her fans.
Everyone focused on their work
We arrived in Banica after most of the market had closed, but a few were still out.
Had lots of students come see us today
Paula with some children
Dr Contreras sewing up a cut foot.
More people waiting for us today than yesterday
Fully used pickup in Banica, DR
Everyone busy
Carrying groceries in Banica
Patiently waiting to be seen.
Keeping everyone in line
Paula riding back to Los Cacaos
Laura taking a quick break
We arrived in Banica after most of the market had closed, but a few were still out.
Looking out from the Center.
One bike can take alot!!
Dr Yi, a translator and a patient

Feb 6th - Back to Santo Domingo

Our final morning in Bánica was a mix of efficiency and nostalgia. The team was packed and ready 15 minutes ahead of schedule, allowing for heartfelt goodbyes to the incredible staff who supported us all week. As we transitioned back toward Santo Domingo, the unique reality of the border region stayed with us through roughly ten military checkpoints. These stops, where officers conduct quick visual inspections for undocumented travel, served as a poignant reminder of the complex regional dynamics we worked within.

The drive south offered a panoramic view of the Dominican Republic’s diverse geography. We watched the landscape shift from arid, desert-like terrain into lush, green expanses of banana plantations and vegetable crops, eventually passing a massive solar array on the outskirts of the capital. While the roads have improved significantly over the years, the scenery remains a patchwork of quiet, rustic villages and bustling, modern towns.

Of course, no trip to the capital is complete without experiencing the local driving culture. Our driver took “efficiency” to a new level, navigating the four-hour journey with a heavy hand on the horn and a daring approach to lane changes. From backing up on a divided highway to catch a missed turn to the chaotic “nose-first” logic of traffic, it was a high-energy reminder that driving here is an art form—albeit one that leaves most cars with a few dents and travelers with plenty of stories!

Upon arriving at our hotel, the team enjoyed the simple luxury of a shower before heading out to explore. The afternoon was spent wandering the historic streets of Santo Domingo, hunting for souvenirs and soaking in the local sights. We capped off the mission with a celebratory evening; while some stayed local, much of the group gathered for a final dinner at El Mesón de la Cava—a stunning restaurant built directly into a natural cave—to toast to a successful and exhausting week of service.

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]]> Super Bowl Squares 2026 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/news-stories/super-bowl-squares-2/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=super-bowl-squares-2 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 21:49:28 +0000 https://medicalmissionaries.org/?p=8356 "Win big, give back! 🏆 Buy a Super Bowl square to support Medical Missionaries. Share the link with your family—who’s going to claim the bragging rights this year?"

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It is Super Bowl Squares time!!!  SOLD OUT

It’s that time of year – Time to get your Super Bowl Squares!

We will have two boards again this year to allow even more participants! You can choose to play on one board or both.  Please share with friends, family, and colleagues near and far!

The teams have yet to be determined but when they are, we will fill them in on the boards. 50% of collected money will be distributed among the winners. The other 50% of the proceeds will be used by Medical Missionaries to support programming in 2026 including funding St. Joseph Clinic in Haiti, stocking Grundy’s food pantry and supplying both medical equipment and supplies to those in need locally and internationally.

Cost: Each square cost $25.

Payouts: Payouts will be based on the number of squares sold:

  • End of 1st Quarter $225.00
  • End of 2nd Quarter $300.00
  • End of 3rd Quarter $225.00
  • End of Game $500.00

To Play: 

 

Create an account (username and password) and choose your squares

***You must close your browser if you want to click into a different game. If you don’t, it will default to whatever game you previously clicked on.***


Submit payment via:

  • Venmo: @christine-MadaioDiStasio
  • Zelle: 917-696-6480
  • Check: Made out to Christine DiStasio and mailed in care of Medical Missionaries 9590 Survey Ct. Manassas, VA 20110
  • When making payment please be sure to reference the name/initials you put in the square and game number.

 

All payments must be received prior to the kickoff.
All prizes will be sent directly to winners via the same form you paid to play.

Process:

  • Once all the squares have been selected and purchased, the numbers for the row and column will be randomly picked from 0-9 for each team in the Super Bowl.
  • You will be given a new set of numbers for each quarter.
  • These numbers represent the last number in the score of each team. In other words, if the score is Patriots 17 – Seahawks 14 (not implying who will be in the superbowl), then the winning square is the one with a Patriots number of 7, and a Seahawks number of 4.
  • The final payout will be for the end of the game in case of overtime.

 

This fundraiser is being conducted by Christine DiStasio and Patti Tutalo and is not an official fundraiser of Medical Missionaries.

Questions? Contact christine.distasio@medicalmissionaries.org

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]]> Jamaica Hurricane Relief https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/news-stories/jamaica-hurricane-relief/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jamaica-hurricane-relief Sat, 27 Dec 2025 19:10:16 +0000 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/?p=11684 Donors helped Medical Missionaries send a truck of supplies to Jamaica after a Category 5 hurricane. Your support ensures we respond quickly to global and local crises.

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Medical Missionaries fulfills its mission to help the poorest of the poor globally and locally every day, thanks to your support. Your dedication ensures we are both a consistent presence in long-term healthcare and a responsive first-responder during crises. For example, your contributions allowed us to immediately send a truckload of essential medical supplies to fill a shipping container for Jamaica after the devastating Category 5 hurricane in October.

The following letter was sent to Medical Missionaries 

On behalf of Grace Christian Ministries International, located in Fredericksburg with branches in Jamaica, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the significant support you and your team have provided in response to the catastrophic effects of CATEGORY 5 Hurricane Mellisa, which struck Jamaica in October and resulted in widespread devastation across nearly half of the island. Many individuals in our community remain without access to essential resources, including food, shelter, water, and electricity.

When we reached out for assistance, you efficiently organized your team and dispatched a truckload of relief supplies to the impacted areas, which greatly benefited numerous individuals who received these Care Packages. The gratitude expressed by the recipients underscores the positive impact of your generosity.

The scale of need remains critical, and the suffering among our community persists. We
urgently request that you and your team consider continuing this vital initiative by contributing additional supplies or other necessary items, such as food, clothing, building materials, medical supplies, and household goods. We are making arrangements for a subsequent shipment of relief items to Jamaica, which is scheduled to leave between the end of January and mid-February.

Enclosed, please find photographs depicting the distribution of relief packages to those in need. Your continued support would be invaluable to our efforts. Thank you for your consideration and commitment to this important humanitarian cause.

Grace Christian Ministries International, Pastor Lascelles Russell.

While we celebrate the immediate relief provided, the need for sustained support never ends. Disasters leave lasting devastation, requiring continued vigilance long after the initial crisis. Your ongoing commitment and resources form the foundation that allows us to quickly mobilize, collect, and prepare essential goods, ensuring we are always ready for the next call for help, whether locally or across the world.

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]]> Traveling Colonels https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/news-stories/traveling-colonels-2/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=traveling-colonels-2 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 03:02:36 +0000 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/?p=11310 Colonel Monte from Traveling Colonels is back in Kyiv. He will be posting regularly or our blog.

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Colonel Monte Donard and his team of Traveling Colonels have partnered with Medical Missionaries since 2023.  In this page we will share updates as we get them.  You can support Traveling Colonels by donating to Medical Missionaries and dedicating to the Traveling Colonels.  Or, you can donate directly via https://donorbox.org/travelingcolonels501c

This page has the latest updates from the Traveling Colonels.  You can find updates from November 2024 through June 2025 as well as older updates.

Dec 31, 2025

From Colonel Monte:

President Reagan held the U.S. Marines in extremely high esteem, famously saying, “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the Marines don’t have that problem.”

Got this report from Chaplain Ihor, whom we gave a bunch of kids and adults soccer team shirts, jerseys, socks, light jackets.  I am pretty sure, like the Marines, we don’t have to wonder about whether we are making a difference in Ukraine- because we are making a difference.  We are helping kids, soldiers and citizens of Ukraine on a regular basis. 

Nick the Marine turned us onto “Asher” an Aussie chap in Kyiv that helps Ukraine.  Asher gave us 4 heavy boxes of the new sports gear attire. We divided it between stabilization point wounded soldiers needing clothes to wear after being evacuated and some orphans/ kids programs like the ones pictured below..

Chaplin Ihor sent this report and the below letter of acknowledgement of support.  I would say that these troubled kids who were subject to months of Russian occupation early in the war and now in a community athletics program can get some use from the athletic gear and help with their troubles.

Nice work by Nick, Asher for getting the sports gear and the Traveling Colonels along with Chaplain Ihor from Boyorka community center for making the delivery possible.

Nice letter of appreciation attached also and confirmation of making a difference.

Dec 30, 2025

Colonel Monte shares an end of year video highlighting the many volunteers that make the Traveling Colonels such a success.

Dec 15, 2025

From Col Monte:

Hello from Kyiv – I want to say thank you to Medical Missionaries and specifically Dr Gil Irwin for his continued support and leadership in the Ukraine humanitarian sphere.  I remember first meeting Dr Gil and his team 2 years ago in nearby Manassas where they provides a large amount of aid that we were able to carry in  suitcases to Ukraine. 

Now Medical Missionaries helps me each trip home to Woodbridge with boxes and boxes of aid that I ship internationally to Ukraine vice carrying there in a suitcase. Their help has only increased over time and has resulted in more support sent to forward facing military and community hospitals caring for wounded soldiers.

Some of you know me but, for the others, I am “Colonel Monte” a retired veteran of 30 years service with the US Marine Corps.  Currently, I am the Director of The Traveling Colonels; a Non Governmental Organization of unpaid/ uncompensated volunteers helping Ukraine.

Colonel Chuck and I served together in the Marines and we continue to work together as “The Traveling Colonels” NGO here in Ukraine.

Our mission is to help with first aid supplies and medical support to underserved hospitals, doctors and surgeons during this terrible period of war waged on Ukraine.  We are not here to win the war or solve all the international issues – but we are here in Ukraine with boots on the ground and skin in the game to simply help save lives with high quality medical support.

Medical Missionaries has been one of our partners in helping Ukraine for the past 2 years and they continue to support our work in Ukraine. Over the last two years we have shipped an ultrasound/sonogram machine, prosthetic devices for the numerous traumatic amputations of the war and many boxes of wound care supplies.  In summary over 1 ton of hospital surgical aid, first aid supplies, rehabilitation equipment, clothing, hygiene and medical equipment aid has been donated by Medical Missionaries for Ukraine.

The aid, once received in Kyiv, is distributed to different regions and to underserved Ukrainian hospitals.  All of the medical aid that we receive now will be redistributed soon after the holidays.  It will go to hospitals that we support and have vetted and/or visited.  We know the hospital senior leadership, know the hospital specialities and we personally have met with some of the surgeons at those facilities.

We communicate directly with the surgeons and hospital administration weekly.  We feel we know and trust the hospitals we support and have personal connections with the key individuals.

The hospitals we support with these loads of supplies include Kyiv Regional Pediatric hospital, a Zaporizhzhia Regional Pediatric hospital, the Sumy Region community hospitals in Gluhkov and Putivl, 2 Kyiv surgical hospitals, Kyiv and Kharkiv womans hospitals, a National Burn Center in Lviv and other military hospitals in Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Lviv and 6 military field hospitals.

Pictures below show some of the aid we recently shipped out and doctors we have supported this week.  We maintain a steady flow of aid to the hospitals we support.

I often ask if the aid is used and the Ukrainian doctor answer is typical along the lines of simply “yes”.  When I ask more specifically what was used, it is  usually a shrug and a – “We used everything, everything is needed. Thank you!” response.

Times are hard here in Ukraine and the aid that you have  provided will be sent forward to hospitals and doctors to ease suffering and save lives across Ukraine.  Your work and support in the past has saved lives and has changed families for generations to come. 

Your support is valuable and welcome in Ukraine.  My personal thanks and sincere appreciation for all the help and personal attention you have given me for the past 2 years. Thank you!

I am Colonel Monte.  I am a veteran of Iraq, I was a commercial airline pilot for American Airlines for 34 years, I hold a Masters in National Security from the US Army War College, a degree in Agriculture from the University of Missouri, I am a Project Management Professional.  I am a retired volunteer actively helping Ukraine for the past 3.5 years.

In 2025 I spent 8 months working in Ukraine through countless drone and missile strikes – some of which rocked our 2 star Kyiv hotel.

Thank you for your support.

Respectfully, Colonel Monte
Director of The Traveling Colonels, Kyiv Ukraine

Nov 22, 2025

From Col Monte:

Some of the work The Traveling Colonels did in Oct and Nov with our international volunteers helping Ukraine.

Volunteers:
Jan – Canada, Dennis – USA, Marieke – France, Vladie – Ukraine, Col Chuck and myself USMCR.  We are not changing the tide of the war or outcome- but these last few months we have certainly impacted a lot of wounded soldiers lives, soldiers on the line, orphans and citizens of Ukraine.

We have also helped ourselves on our paths to finding fulfillment and meaning in our lives, our mental outlooks and our growth as uncompensated volunteers/humanitarians.
-Kyiv 22 Nov 2025. Colonel Monte

Nov 17, 2025

From Col Monte:

Putting together 20 soldiers gift packs for a project Angela of the Netherlands is working on for soldiers. Traveling Colonels just helping her out on her project.

Nov 16, 2025

From Col Monte:

A couple of updates today.  The first is  the video below which has Col Monte and Col Chuck thanking volunteers for blankets and gators.  Kiev temperature is now freezing overnight.  There may have even been a few micro snow flakes this afternoon melting as they fell. Winter is Coming!

The second update relates to the below images where Col Monte bought 800 government surplus coagulator surgical pencils and just sent out boxes of 20 each.  Dr Serhii, a Lviv military neurosurgeon, literally got these Thursday or Friday and sent these pictures Friday. He seems happy with them.

Last update was while Col Monte was at the hotel he relayed:

Noticed some glum faces in the hotel lobby.  Was approached by some staff and was told that a hotel staff colleague had had an accident and desperately needed blood thinner injections to prevent blood clots. I left immediately for the local pharmacy not sure if they would sell to me but figured I would see what they say.

Two pharmacies later I had made the purchase and got the required medication. Iris cafe Natalia and Allla the cook very happy and appreciative.

The tall gentleman -maybe the hotel facility manager that greets us every morning as he gets breakfast apparently was not at fault for a bad automobile accident and got banged up pretty bad. – Part of my day helping Ukraine!

Nov 14, 2025

From Col Monte:

Photos from Senior Sergeant Elena former with 4th Tanks who is working stabilization point evacuations.

Items we sent out a few days ago to a very forward aid station used within a few days of shipping.  In another example we shipped brain surgery equipment was shipped on Wednesday and was being used by  Friday/Saturday on a soldier’s brain.

These supplies are used at aid stations so the soldier can be stabilized and evacuated. Senior Sergeant Elena takes and sends us videos as a break in thinking/ working with the wounded.

“We are using your Foley catheters and your bandages. Thank you.”.

We recently sent the stabilization point the items I personally packed.  I recognize most of the items being used from tourniquet, to ace bandages to gloves to foley catheter…

Nov 4, 2025

From Col Monte:

We received 14 boxes of medical supplies from our international shippers this morning. 7 weeks ago I had picked up many of these boxes of aid from Medical Missionaries and shipped to Kyiv.

Today we will sort them into individual hospital and surgeons boxes and then parcel post them overnight to hospitals and doctors.

Doctors all report that the aid that we receive from Medical Missionaries is necessary and significant in their care for citizens and soldiers. We are making a difference together in Ukraine.

Colonel Monte. Traveling Colonels, Kyiv 4 Nov 2025

Nov 4, 2025

From Col Monte:

This morning I picked up 14 boxes of medical supplies including 4 from Dr Gil and the team at Medical Missionaries.  Great boxes of medical supplies for hospital and frontline clinics. I will be shipping theses boxes plus other donated supplies this afternoon to hospitals and stabilization points.

Sep 28, 2025

From Col Monte:

Great support via “Just Bill” from North Cotswold Rotary. Will receive pallets of aid in mid Oct if all goes well. 

Sep 27, 2025

From Col Monte:

Thanks to Medical Missionaries for the great supplies.  Antimicrobial dressing. and other wound care bandages. These are perfect and exactly what the forward facing aid stations and doctors are asking for in today’s battle of reducing infections in wounded Ukrainian soldiers!

Lviv neurosurgeon Dr Serhii sent his gratitude

Pretty strong written and unwritten message from a wartime brain surgeon doing spine and neurosurgery daily; he is personally orchestrating shifting donations across multiple hospitals and departments and sending a detailed report back on his actions.

He wants to ensure the Traveling Colonels medical aid continues to flow as it is making a significant difference to not only his Lviv military hospital but to other hospitals doctors soldiers.  Reminds me of Dr Yuri’s message to me at the end of June when I was recovering from my surgery when he messaged; “…we are still here working in Zaporizhzhia… ie where are you and some aid??🤷‍♂️🇺🇸🇺🇦”

Other messages that Traveling Colonels received:

Dear Monte,
thank you for sending the devices.  From the recent shipments, it was truly a find for our ophthalmologists.  I divided them into three parts: one part I kept in our hospital, another part was sent to the emergency hospital in Lviv, the civilian hospital, and the third part went to the Volyn regional civilian hospital. They are incredibly happy and grateful to you. Furthermore, the previously sent devices are also working well, especially the dialysis machines for artificial kidneys. I have delivered them, and they continue to function properly. Thank you so much!

Aug 19, 2025

From Col Monte:

Last week we sent out about 23 kilos/50 pounds of prosthetic device feet, joints, rods, connecting clamps, screws and other asscessories for two different prosthetic builders.

Partners for World Health in Portland, Maine initially sent the prosthetic devices to the Traveling Colonels in Virginia.  We shipped the parts to Kyiv and then onward to two prosthetic shops that we have personally verified.  We forwarded them on to our two known prosthetic developers/builders.

This soldier was treated at the Uzhhorod hospital and rehabilitation center and given a new foot provided by the Traveling Colonels.  Together we are helping to make soldier’s life better and aiding their rehabilitation and reentry into society.

Thanks for everyone’s support.
Colonel Monte Kyiv 

The patient sends their thanks to Traveling Colonels:


“I was already seeing good results from my rehabilitation, but with this prosthetic foot, I realized I can do much more. It gives me new possibilities and confidence. I sincerely thank you for your support!”

Aug 19, 2025

From Col Monte:

Thanks to Nancy who is from the Clinton Ohio area and a friend of Colonel Chucks.  Nancy lost her son but donated his coat, some of his boots, socks, health and comfort items and other items to help Ukraine. 

Great leadership and community spirit by Chuck for his work helping others help Ukraine. Thanks

Aug 19, 2025

From Col Monte:

I sent a note to Dr Ivan bern center doctor in Lviv. He helped a Canadian volunteer that I asked him to treat at his burn center. Sent him a note of thanks this morning

yes I know -never really off. Always the eletronic tether of the cell phone.
And here I am asking questions of you on your days off.

I saw a picture of Mac Hughes the Canadian soldier yesterday who I asked you to help. Mac is recovering well it seems and is back in Kyiv. We will visit him today or tomorrow.
I just wanted to thank you from Mac, all of our volunteer team and Mac’s family for your help and care during these hard times.
Sincerely, Monte

Dr Ivan replied back-


I also want to thank you for your help in providing us with everything we need. This is so that we can help and treat our soldiers and people suffering from war much better and more efficiently. I wish I didn’t have a job – but unfortunately I do. I live in hope for a better future for our children, my people, my Ukraine. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help and support. With respect

Aug 17, 2025

From Col Monte:  Not always easy helping surgeons and hospitals in distant locations under external pressures and conditions.  Looks like the medical support we gave recently to Zaporizhzhia Pediatric is certainly being used -at least in this case. 

Aug 15, 2025

From Col Monte: A quick 50 seconds of some of the big work flow steos needed to get items from a government surplus warehouse in Pennsylvania to close to the frontlines.

Col Monte, The Traveling Colonels, Kyiv 15 Aug 25

Aug 13, 2025

From Col Monte:  16 boxes from Steve Nash, who has been awarded the most improved volunteer for 2025 to date.  Steve has done great work sending aid forward with help from his brother, and his niece with her graphics and social media help.

Everyone is making a difference.  Chuck continues to excel at high end medical devices, gaining support from his community for Ukraine and the Traveling Colonels, Tara has boxes coming to Kyiv and we are anxious to get them into play. 

Daniel has doggedly run down medical aid in SoCalif from his contacts having started at zero to having a lot of boxes flowing.  We shipped out a lot of gauze and other government surplus items such as the stab pt asperator Dennis helped ship over for me. 

Boxes arriving in Kyiv
Col Monte and donations

Dr Dave sent over his medical practice instruments for use in Ukraine.  Dutch Jan did a fundraiser, Canadian Jan sent supplies, my daughter just sent 353 handmade face masks/ scarfs, my sister sent quilts from our hometown church quilters… All helps us help Ukraine!🇺🇦🇺🇸

All tied in with the deployed team.  David is fulltime in Kyiv, Jan came to Kyiv recently, and Tim is here now.  Vladie helps with cultural understanding, translation support, legal advice and logistics help.  Steve will come in Sept and of course Col Chuck just finished his award winning 15th trip to support Ukraine.  Everyone is heavily involved.

Thank you for the support!

July 18th, 2025

July 16th, 2025

Our friend Canadian Mac getting burn care in St Marks burn center Lviv. Big win and better care, I think, for him versus Kyiv community hospital on left bank.  Just my opinion

July 15th, 2025

 Colonel Monte is back in Kyiv.  He sent us this video.

Medical supplies from Medical Missionaries, MedWish, and other groups and T-Shirts from Don for the soldiers in rehabilitation and ongoing care.  Great support from many groups. Traveling Colonels helping Ukraine with support from a large team.

Our Ukrainian buddy, and fellow humanitarian, Seva (proper spelling) is at boot camp having been conscripted 5 weeks ago. Once out of boot camp we are hoping for a drone unit assignment. But it all depends on being able to pull some strings and luck.


Seva just video called. He seems up beat. Complained about the food, uniform quality, cheap no good boots (he has a good pair) so sounds like normal soldiers life at boot camp. Food is pretty bad and not enough. He has lost weight, same as I did at OCS, but we have been sending him some cash for food, snacks, cigs…

This page has the latest updates from the Traveling Colonels.  You can find updates from November 2024 through June 2025 as well as older updates.

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]]> Annual Letter From the President https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/news-stories/annual-letter-from-the-president/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=annual-letter-from-the-president Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:50:44 +0000 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/?p=11620 Medical Missionaries annual letter reminds our donors and volunteers of the amazing organization that they have created. Read Dr Irwin's 2025 letter..

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Dear Friends,

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and support over the past 28 years.  Together, we have built Medical Missionaries from a simple organization focused on helping far flung villages in the Dominican Republic and Haiti into a powerful, multi-million dollar force for good, reaching the world’s least fortunate in the United States and abroad..

Our Impact, Powered by You

Our 100% volunteer organization has grown tremendously, enabling us to overcome numerous challenges and touch countless lives—including families, the elderly, disaster victims, pregnant women, children, and Native Americans. This significant impact is made possible by the caring and generosity of donors like you, alongside other committed individuals, civic groups, and religious organizations.

Your contributions are incredibly leveraged:

  • Value Multiplier: Conservative estimates show that every $1 donated to Medical Missionaries generates $75 in value for the recipient.
  • Total Reach: Since our inception in 1997, monetary and medical material donations have resulted in an overall monetary value of $225 million delivered to the poor.

 

Securing Our Future

While Medical Missionaries began with a focus on Haiti and the Dominican Republic, our mission has expanded to provide healthcare support worldwide. This includes an increasing emphasis on helping our struggling local and regional communities, exemplified by our work with the Rocklick Food Pantry in Grundy, Virginia.

To ensure the long-term continuation and success of these vital efforts, Medical Missionaries has taken the proactive step of establishing the Medical Missionaries Endowment Fund. This crucial fund will secure the organization’s financial future, ensuring our shared mission persists for generations.  For information on how you can contribute specifically to the Medical Missionaries Endowment Fund and help secure our future, please reach out to our office today.

Please continue your support, interest, and prayers.  Your generous donations allow us to impact thousands of people every year, making a real difference in the lives of the poorest of the poor.

Gil Irwin
President
Medical Missionaries

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]]> Traveling Colonels – Updates https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/news-stories/traveling-colonels-updates/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=traveling-colonels-updates Fri, 02 May 2025 01:55:38 +0000 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/?p=10467 Colonel Monte Donard and his team of Traveling Colonels have been partneried with Medical Missionaries since 2023.  In this page we will share updates as we get them. 

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Colonel Monte Donard and his team of Traveling Colonels have partnered with Medical Missionaries since 2023.  In this page we will share updates as we get them.  You can support Traveling Colonels by donating to Medical Missionaries and dedicating to the Traveling Colonels.  Or, you can donate directly via https://donorbox.org/travelingcolonels501c

This page has updates from November 2024 through June 2025 for the Traveling Colonels.  You can find current and older updates.

June 25th, 2025

Kyiv. Great load of supplies from Misneach in Ireland.  It is hard times in Ukraine with lots of injuries. 

I have had Ukrainian doctors, surgeons and medics send me messages asking for support. David has been working by himself in Kyiv as Col Chuck, Steve, Dennis, Daniel, Tara and other Traveling Colonels volunteers collect supplies in America and ship those supplies forward. Our Irish and European supporters are sending tons of supplies helping as well. I return to Kyiv next week.

Thank you! Colonel Monte

June 23rd, 2025

Today The Traveling Colonels processed about 60 boxes of medical aid in Kyiv.  Many of the boxes originated in America and went by sea to Ukraine from TC volunteers working with MedWish, Medical Missionaries, Wisconsin Medical Charity, Door County Medical Center… But also boxes from Ireland Misneach, Sweden Operation Change, Netherlands Vanguard UA-NL, Team Bravo Norway… and other donors. 

As aid flowed in, it also flowed out- tactical medicine helping to keep front line soldiers alive, Kviv regional military hospitals, Lviv military hospitals and Lviv burn center and other doctors and hospitals. 

We are processing the aid and will continue to help support Ukraine with your help. 

Thank you. I return to Kyiv next week. I am anxious to get back to the real work and hopefully get away from being keyboard volunteer.

June 12th, 2025

Big thanks to our fellow Ukrainian charity MISNEACH of Ireland. Thanks for the support. David Greco our man in Kyiv making this presentation come alive. This type of support from Misneach and other groups saves lives.

June 11th, 2025

Support is making its way forward to Operation Change which has helped us help Ukraine. These IFAKs and more not shown helping in Sumy direction.

From the Swedish group that requested support:

Wow that is amazing. Asprin is a dear friend to me which i met through Repower organisation. He is a very good soldier and an even better person. The situation at the northern front is very very difficult for them and this will save lives. Thank you Monte 💪💪

The Traveling Colonels have been helping with bed pads and disposable adult underwear for some time now across Ukraine. Pictured below are some examples of our recent support. 

I just got a request from a Kyiv regional military hospitals aid worker for more of the same. For our team and associated volunteer groups this is an ongoing requirement and we are falling behind on just basic support of these items.

We admittedly can’t solve all of Ukraine’s medical needs but I just want to provide a glimpse at how important our continued support is along with groups that support our work helping Ukraine.

May 30th, 2025

Col Monte came by Medical Missionaries office in Manassas today.  He picked up supplies and made a few videos.  Enjoy!

May 27th, 2025

Thanks to Fred Smith and the entire FEDEX organization for supporting Ukraine and getting medical aid to a frontline military hospital.

Dr Ivan of the 25th military medical hospital, Kharkiv, Ukraine sent us a video thanking for the support that will impact 100’s of patients with the medical supplies collected by David and Steve in Madison, Wisconsin with the Wisconsin Medical Project.  The aid collected was graciously sent by FEDEX to Kyiv, Ukraine for distribution to a hospital that needed support.

The pallet was delayed due to my inability to navigate and understand the roles and rules of getting aid approved for delivery.  Thanks to everyone who helped get the aid approved and to Kharkiv, it was complex but luckily we found experts who understood the system for aid approval.  Many people along the way helped move the aid but many more Ukrainian soldiers and citizens will benefit from the high end medical supplies delivered during these dark days of attacks in Ukraine. 

Thank you to everyone who helped, mentored, coached, provided contacts and other support.  Special mention to Anna and Mr. Tkachenko of the Kyiv Military District for personally getting this approved and delivered by Boryspil FEDEX who helped us continuously through the process. Thank You!

May 12th, 2025

Dr Igor Zaporizhzhia pediatrician using supplies (equipment for inhalation, wystems for intravenous infusion, Oxygen masks and stand for intravenous infusion) we sent out last week. Everything gets used. Donations from MedWish, Operation Change, Misneach, Vanguard Ukraine-Netherlands, Partners for World Health, Durham Humanitarian, Medical Missionaries, Ukrainian Aid Direct… everything helps.

The Traveling Colonels team thank you for your support!

May 11th, 2025

I am very appreciative- it’s not about hearing our names or of our work or gaining recognition or fame for ourselves – but it furthers our ability to get great items like this from gracious huge medical charities in America.

This medical charity, “Partners for World Health” sends me a box or two of surgical staplers, gastrointestinal endocrinology instruments and surgical mesh monthly. Many of those instruments where sent out in the three boxes to Zaporizhzhia military hospital and two boxes sent to Kharkiv military hospital this week.

When PWH see specific items they donated being used here it makes them proud of having helped Ukraine and it reinforces their commitment knowing their help is being used.

Thank you from the entire Zaporizhzhia military hospital.

Hopefully we can visit Zaporizhzhia in person on our next trip

 Ukrainian Aid Direct – Thanks for the support with surgical electronic surgical device from Partners for World Health. Dr Yuri in Zaporizhzhia military hospital using it today on a soldiers fractured leg wound.

 Some of our work and results this week as reported today from Zaporizhzhia. We sent this electronic surgical device out Thursday already in use.

I know your aid is not specifically shown but trust me your medical supplies were in many of the probably 100+ Traveling Colonels medical aid boxes sent forward this week. Everyone’s continued support is key to helping these hospitals. Dr Yuri said the same today. They really depend on our combined support. Thank you

It has been a long two months here in Kyiv. I have to admit I am a little burnt out and tired.   I head home for a month of work collecting more supplies to send over to Ukraine later this week.

Thank you once again.

May 9th, 2025

Three videos for today.   1st is Dr Yuri using a magnet to remove a foreign body from a soldier.  The other two are Col Monte updates.

May 8th, 2025

 “Good! Monty, thank you very much from the 4th Ranger Regiment”

Thanks to DrGil and Medical Missionaries- Bombas Socks and hygiene items for soldiers on the frontline.

We have shipped anout 50 boxes of supplies to Zaporizhzhia military hospital in the last 30 days.  Their patient load has been about 120 new patients a day so it takes a lot of gear.

We just fill in the gaps of needed supplies- we could never supply everything needed for an entire wartime hospital. But we do what we can for about 10 forward facing hospitals. Those hospitals report our aid makes a huge difference in their patient care.  Thanks to everyone who is helping to fundraise, sending physical medical supplies to Ukraine for us, volunteering to work at the warehouse or at home and providing other support. 

Zaporizhzhia is just one of many hospitals we support as a team.
We in turn get support from Ukrainian Relief Fund, Ukrainian Aid Direct, Misneach, Operation Change, Vanguard Netherlands, Medical Missionaries, MedWish, Durham Humanitarian, Hull England for Ukraine and many other organizations in Sweden, Canada, Denmark, Britain and volunteers.

Col Monte -Kyiv

May 6th, 2025

Dr Ivan of the 25th Military Hospital Kharkiv is using a high quality surgical mesh on an Ukrainian patient today. Donated by The Traveling Colonels who are supported by Medical Missionaries of Manassas, VA and Partners for World Health of Portland, Maine.  High quality mesh is hard for forward facing military hospitals to source.  It allows much better surgical results and fewer complications post surgery rehabilitation.

Dr Ivan with donated surgical mesh

May 5th, 2025

Kyiv building and cars burning 2am. We clearly heard and were woken up from the impacts from two missiles which hit the city last night. 7 wounded luckily and all were reportedly released from the hospital this morning.  This unfortunate incident was from debris from the shot down missiles hitting the building and causing damage.

Yes it is sad seeing the destruction and hearing of the losses.  Dr Ivan our good friend in Kharkiv had his apartment building hit and his place partially destroyed about 10 days ago. So not just random unknown unfortunate people.

We saw a drone fly past us two days ago. Friend or Foe unknown but it continued away from us, it gave Chuck a bit of a scare as he saw it as Foe. I thought from the size it was probably unarmed and friendly on a training mission but not sure. ~20 miles from russian lines

 

May 4th, 2025

Medical aid being distributed across hospitals and stabilization points today.  High end sutures, gauzes/wound care and laparoscopic instruments from Cleveland’s MedWish and Medical Missionaries.

These supplies help save lives and reduce suffering from soldiers and civilians impacted by the war. But these supplies don’t just help the wounded- life continues here as in any other country.  Cancer, heart disease, kidney stones, eye diseases and everything that plagues modern society is still being cared for in Ukraine.  Limited supplies and stress on the national hospital systems is partially remediated by aid from The Traveling Colonels and other medical charity organizations.

Colonel Monte, reporting from Kyiv!

May 3rd, 2025

Col Chuck Ikins once again outlasts others with his dedication to service.  6 huge boxes picked up at Meest Boryspil. Volunteer of the week once again!

May 3rd, 2025

Colonel Chuck and I loaded 20 shopping bags full of food stuffs and other donated items for Kramatorsk/ Polkvarsk region.  Dr Oksana, the Dean of the Medical College in Kyiv, asked for some support on her project to provide food for some families near the frontlines.

May 2nd, 2025

Dr Ivan of 25th military hospital, was very happy to receive medical aid which we delivered today. He presented us with a Ukrainian Trident plaque which he and his sister designed and had made.  Only four made. 

The intricate flower design is specific to Kharkiv and is only used in Kharkiv. This design would be embroidered on the Ukrainian style shirts Nick and I have. He also served us homemade bread his wife made for us this morning (delicious,) homemade salo cured bacon which was also very good, and a taste of his homemade vodka with horseradish flavor(good). ✔️🇺🇦🇺🇸😉

May 2nd, 2025

Medical Missionaries of Manassas Virginia donated Bombas socks to The Traveling Colonels recently which have been sent to the frontlines Dirty Dozen unit who needed resupply before returning to the front.  Short notice request but we shared what was available when asked.  Great socks and support from Dr Irwin.

April 29th, 2025

Today 36 boxes of aid are being sent to Zaporizhzhia military hospital, Zaporizhzhia pediatric hospital, Kharkiv military, Mezhova civilian/military hospital, Chernihiv military hospital, Gluhkov and Putivl civilian and military shared hospital. A lot of great aid sent forward by Col Chuck, David, Slava and myself.

April 29th, 2025

Chernihiv rehabilitation hospital using medical supplies that The Traveling Colonels collected from organizations such as MedWish, Operation Change, Misneach, Medical Missionaries, Partners in World Health and purchases by Traveling Colonels – all to help Ukraine.  As Traveling Colonels box items for specific purposes, everyone’s aid gets combined into packages for delivery.

We thank you for your contributions, whether used on this project or another project this week.

April 28th, 2025

Former British Army and Australian Army deploying tomorrow.  Colonel Monte supplying them with needed medic supplies.

April 27th, 2025

To our donors and supporters like Don who donated the Army T-shirts and Dr Irwin who donated the socks -Thank you!

Thank you video from Defactor and the “Alcatraz Battalion” a unit made up from volunteers who had a checkered life but have turned over a new leaf in the frontline hard hit Alcatraz unit.  The Traveling Colonels are proud to support and help those who might have gotten on the wrong road at one point in their life but are now fighting for Ukraine’s future.

One volunteer who goes by “0369”, a former Marine who served during Colonel Chucks and my 30 year careers in Marine Corps – said that the last time we helped this unit was the first time that many of these soldiers had received much any help.  We gave them uniform pieces, Camel Back water bags, sleeping pads and high quality Individual First Aid Kits.

April 24th, 2025

Colonel Charles Ikins, USMCR retired of The Traveling Colonels is presented with the Mayor of Gluhkov’s award for humanitarian aid provided to their community.  The Mayor noted his dedication and ongoing high quality support to their community hospital with boxes of medical, fire department and border security military forces aid.

April 23th, 2025

Johnny, Chuck and I continue to work together after meeting on the train from Germany to Ukraine over 2 years ago.  We are currently helping the 25th Brigade with life saving individual first aid kits.  Training and proper use of the first aid kits can save lives.

April 23th, 2025

We work as consolidators of aid at times.  For example, we work with Dr Irwin from Medical Missionaries who has helped us source donations.  At the same time, we have other groups that both trust and appreciate our mission and donate items.  It takes work connecting the dots on linking donations to those in need, but that is part of our program.  Meeting people and learning about their work is interesting and helps Ukraine at the same time. Here is a short story on aid being passed to us then to another organization.

Dr Steve, an American Emergency Room doctor teaches ER medicine to frontline medics and hospitals/doctors. We know of his work and have received supplies from him in the past..

Dr Steve thanks for posting this safety gear.  LEGO passed the face shields on to me and yesterday I gave them to General Igor who is a Volunteer Firefighters Association of Ukraine Chief.  He was very happy to get the riot face masks and will send them on to firefighters doing cleanup work near the front.  We have helped firefighters with IFAKs (Individual First Action Kits) and other supplies to include ambulance helmets from Ana McB.

Thanks for helping these firemen who are attacked on the frontlines.

April 22th, 2025

Thanks to 550 Cord a veteran owned non profit in Virginia

April 21th, 2025

Big thanks to Dr Gil Irwin of Medical Missionaries Manassas, Virginia USA. Socks he donated headed for the frontlines to help a unit that specifically requested socks and first aid kits.

Had such an unbelievable day that President Zelensky may call. 62 boxes shipped today between Col Chuck, David and myself. New record shipping in one day. Dream Team is in town!

April 20th, 2025

Happy Easter!

We determined long ago that our little work would not change the tide of the war but maybe we could help reduce some suffering or possibly save a few lives with our work.  Same as sending out some Easter bags certainly can’t help every soldier but maybe we can help 20-30 soldiers have a better day.

I spent Easter Sunday in Fallujah Iraq in 2004; how time flies.  The sun will arise in the east tomorrow and we will move forward together.  I stand with Ukraine. Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦🇺🇸 Colonel MonteThanks to Dr Gil Irwin and everyone at Medical Missionaries. Your ongoing support allows us to continue to help even in the smallest way here In Ukraine.  Forever grateful for everyone’s support.

At the Kyiv “Vladimir Cathedral” Easter Sunday the priest blessed the Easter Basket of morale items that will be sent to a frontline soldier.  Dr Iriwn and Medical Missionaries donated great Bombas socks and hygiene items to help fill the basket.

April 13th, 2025

Chuck- Incredible job you have performed working remotely. 

A new position has been added to the Traveling Colonels team: “Remote master of medical logistics and analysis”.

Job description and duties:
Position will be assigned to a highly qualified hand selected individual who is able to work independently (limited supervision) to ferret out opportunities by leveraging existing supply lines of communication in order to act as a force multiplier of medical supplies in times of unrest and uncertainty, which can be further refined with experts downstream who are capable to of sorting various boxes of mixed medical supplies either labeled or not labeled in order to further the unwritten Traveling Colonels’ rules of order (unwritten is key -which allows flexibility) that directly or indirectly influence the medical readiness of individuals regardless of race, creed, nationality or other distinguishing pathologies so that trained and untrained medical professionals can effectively work to the best of their abilities and enhance the overall Ukrainian medical readiness and set in place life saving opportunities for wounded soldiers and civilians.

Pay: Zero point zero $€£¥ UAH and an occasional pat on the back.

Duty period: Continuous

Please reach out to info@medicalmissionaries.org if you are interested, and we will forward your interest along.

Below are items that may be collected and then shipped!

April 13th, 2025

Always nice to start the day with Dr Ivan and his dad celebrating Palm Sunday with a trunk load of laparoscopic instruments and tools.  By the way, the “catheters” to the right (tall thin blue) are actually anesthesia devices to basically force the tube down narrow airways “for success”. 

My apologies for previously saying those were urinary catheters needed for every surgery. These are obviously single use but work fine for 6-8 uses with washing between uses. Sounds like a useful item if used repeatedly. So will take that as a win — even if accidentally!

April 9th, 2025

Hi Monte,
Received your packages
Thank you very much!!!
Many syringes are sent to therapists, kits to urologists, sterile gowns are already in the operating room, bandages are in the dressing room. Special thanks for the neurosurgical sets, the cool needle boxes and garbage bags – they are wonderful

 

This was an unsolicited report from Dr Serhii, a military neurosurgeon in Lviv. Dr Serhii recently received a large shipment of medical aid ranging from neurosurgery instruments to aid we received from Ukrainian Aid Direct, Operation Change, Vanguard-UA.NL, MedWish, Medical Missionaries, and items sourced entirely by the Traveling Colonels.

March 2025

42 IFAKs built and shipped out to the Kramatorsk police station.  They are sending 50 policemen to infantry positions next week with no first aid kits.  Hopefully they will get the kits before shipping out.  Thank you for everyones support!

March 2025

We recently donated cranial drapes to military neurosurgeon Dr Serhii.  He reports the cranial drapes are being used. Here a soldier is being prepared for brain surgery with shrapnel protruding from his forehead and our donated cranial drapes.
March 2025
 
I supplied Dr. Vitaly at a hospital near the Russian border in Glushkovo, Sumy region, with chest thoracic drain tubes that were going to be used on wounded soldiers being treated there from conflicts in Kursk.  Unfortunately, these tubes did not have needed insertion pins.
 

March 2025

It is good for us to have in person meetings with the different groups we help to validate needs and use.  This week we met with wives and mothers of deceased sons and husbands. We also met with recovering soldiers at a Kyiv area hospital and Thursday we visited two hospitals we know near the frontlines near Kursk, Russia border. 

On Wednesday we met with the President of the volunteer firefighters Union and donated kevlar ambulance helmets for his frontline firefighters and ambulance drivers to use.  We met with other charities as well.  In addiiton we met with with a mom and her two children.  She is a mother a medic (she is like a Nurse Practitioner in the US) who has been deployed to a frontline stabilization point clinic.

March 2025

While I don’t have a system to track individual strands of Vicryl sutures, Dr Ivan reports this abdominal wounded soldier was sewn up with sutures donated by the Traveling Colonels.  Dr Gil Irwin and Medical Missionaries recently provided sutures that were sent to the Kharkiv military hospital. Thank you for the support.

Rib spreader can’t be claimed as it came from the soviets😮 but we have sent rib spreaders out.  Exam and surgical gloves have been recently donated by Medical Missionaries. Thank you.

There is tremendous need for basic hospital supplies up to and including neurosurgery supplies.  Thank you for your continued support.

"It’s your white Vicryl sutures" from Dr Ivan 27 Mar 2025
Abdominal wound on a soldier operated on by Dr Ivan and his dad of the 25th Military hospital Kharkiv. Supplies donated by the Traveling Colonels and Medical Missionaries being used.

March 2025

Last Saturday morning we returned to Boynorka- 40 minutes NW of Kyiv to a community center.  The group has children’s programs, veterans events, as well as civilian courses that train civilians first aid.  They also work with families that have lost loved ones.

We met and talked with about 10 mothers and wives who were making potted plants with bulbs that would bloom in about 2 weeks. The flowers, when they bloom, are in memory of lost ones.  An emotional event for those grieving and for David, Steve and myself.

When we arrived, the community center Director met with us and gave us copies of the community newspaper.  The newspaper highlighted our previous trip where David donated medical moulage training devices and we donated training tourniquets.

The war is real in the small community- the building across the street where we parked last trip was hit and destroyed 2 weeks ago by a shaheed drone.  Luckily no one was hurt. 

Feb 20th, 2025.  An update from DrSerghi 19 Feb-

“Yes, You have an update..  Yesterday he was transferred from ICU to our department and feels better”

This soldier came in with a spine injury wound,  pneumonia and bronchitis. Dr Serghi received the chest clearance device from Dr Irwin last Sunday at noon.  By the afternoon the device was attached to the soldier and put into use.    On the 18th of Feb he was moved out of the ICU and is feeling better.

Thanks to Dr Irwin and Medical Missionaries for their leadership in care for Ukraine.

Feb 19th, 2025.  Dr Serghi is a military neurosurgeon who we met through Dr Olexy.  He performed brain surgery on William, a former Marine early on in the Traveling Colonels story line (2 yrs ago).   

Recently, I bought some government surplus inflators -nobody wanted them.  I was giving Dr Serghi some other high end items and I tossed some inflation devices into his box to move them forward not because he asked for them. 

A day after shipping some of these devices to Dr Serghi, they are being used!   Dr Serghi was so excited to have gotten them. Any blind sow can find an acorn every once in awhile.

Tomorrow he is performing a brain surgery procedure -he reported just a bit ago he will be using more of our supplies on the patient.
Donated supplies being used in surgery
Sending more medical equipment

Feb 19th, 2025.  Met again today with Valary who handcrafts great prosthetic limbs for soldiers. He wants to get them walking as fast as possible and “not wait for government money to buy components”.  Dr Gil Iriwn, from  Medical Missionaries has given us several artificial legs which we passed on to Valary, which have helped soldiers.  We helped get him the rehabilitation bars last year (pictured below).  If any knee joints, feet, ankle etc joints are available he will use to help amputees.  We had prosthetic socks which he was grateful to receive and will be used with the devices he builds.

Donated prosthesis
Leg Prosthesis
Donations from Medical Missionaries and others
Col Durand and Valary

Feb 14th, 2025. Traveling Colonels have had support from many organizations.  This is a message from  Dr Ivan, a military surgeon In Kharkiv. His surgery team is using a BullDog multi tipped laparoscopic instrument, days after it was sent to him by The Traveling Colonels.

Feb, 13 2025. This set of boxes is going to to a small community hospital in Mezhova, Ukraine. Mezhova is very close and unfortunately getting closer to the frontlines due to Russian advances. We sent these white boxes of super absorbent wound care out plus other hospital/surgical aid this afternoon.  Mezhova hospital just sent this message on the planned use of the supplies by military surgeons just now.

Wow!!! Thanks a lot! I’ll definitely do it. Moreover, now our operating rooms are used by military surgeons. Now the frontline is 12 kilometers away from us and the wounded are being brought to us. we’ll give it to them.

The hospital had declined some laparoscopic instruments last week because “their surgeon” is 74 yrs old and he didn’t use that type of supplies.

MedWish Cleveland, Dr Gil Irwin president of Medical Missionaries and Wisconsin Medical Charity all contributed along with supplies the Traveling Colonels acquired by their means. Colonel Monte reporting from Kyiv.

Feb 11th, 2025. The video below was made as culmination of the circle of life for Chuck’s work.  He personally picked these items at MedWish. Then, personally shipped these items via Meest.  A trip to Boryspil area over the last 3 weeks picking up items was done.  And, yesterday, 10 boxes shipped by Chuck arrived at Boryspil. Last stage of his quest was the sorting and boxing in Brovary, the general purpose hospital, boxes which he put together and directed to be sent to Gluhkov and Putivl hospitals which he has a personal interest in supporting. Well done start to finish.  MedWish and Col Chuck support of Ukraine Sumy direction hospitals.

Feb 9th, 2025: These surgical instruments (shown below) on the table center back were sent to Dr Serghi the chief military neurosurgeon in Western Ukraine along with a series of 3 boxes of neuro cranial drapes, a box of laparoscopic instruments and surgical mesh, and many other boxes of gauzes, tapes, ambu bags, IV lines, syringes, chest tubes, urethra catheters and other high end needed medical and surgical supplies.  Over the past month approximately 12 large boxes each weighting 40 pounds (20 kilos) have been sent to Dr Serghi’s team that helps Ukrainian soldiers.

The western Ukraine military hospital and staff are very pleased with support gained from MedWish of Cleveland, Dr Gil of Medical Missionaries Northern Virginia and Wisconsin Medical Charity Madison.

The Traveling Colonels working from Kyiv facilitated the shipments from the various medical charities and other volunteers. These donations are being used within days of shipping. This is very solid proof or concept of the collection of high quality medical aid being sent to where it is needed.

Supplies from various organizations, including Medical MIssionaries
The vest helps "dislodge mucus from the bronchial walls, and mobilizes secretions and mucus from the smaller to larger airways where it can be cleared by coughing or suctioning."
The Vest System
Colonel Dunard and supplies
Surgeon with donated supplies
Brain surgery equipment
Coverings to be used during surgery

Feb 3rd, 2025. Pete this is the chief doctor from Putivl rural hospital. She posted a recent report on our support and included the Medical Missionaries sonogram that Dr Irwin donated last year.

I personally drove it out to their hospital as I had to rebuild it in Kyiv after shipping it internationally to Kyiv. Older machine but still helping their hospital.

Ultrasound Machine
Medical staff at Putivl rural hospital

Jan 30th, 2025 I admit now before everyone I did not scrub in on this procedure but we can say that Dr Yuri chief military medical officer/surgeon for the Zaporizhzhia area reports our sutures and laparoscopic grabbers were used during this procedure. Expert steady hands operating the instruments way it looks. Sutures from Door County, Dr Irwin,  Medical Missionaries of Manassas VA and MedWish of Cleveland OH. 

Image has graphic surgery.

Dec 5th, 2024  In late Oct Medical Missionaries donated coban tape and alcohol wipes to The Traveling Colonels. The supplies were shipped by sea container to Kyiv and today they are being sent to Ipren’ Hospital for trauma surgery use.  It all helps.  We had the supplies that were requested by the Ukrainian hospital Ipren’ -thanks to Dr Gil and Medical Missionaries. Colonel Monte, Kyiv

Alcohol prep
Gauze supplies

Dec 3rd, 2024:  Really great collection of high quality tooth brushes and tooth paste from Medical Missionaries going to help soldiers that have been wounded and evacuated to the rear hospitals and major hospitals across Ukraine. Important supplies for their personal hygiene and mental health. Thank you!

Thanks to the volunteers who put time, energy and dollars into putting these hygiene dental care packs together. Well packed and super high quality toothpaste and brushes. Thanks Colonel Monte Kyiv. Shipping to wounded soldiers in Ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇸

Dec 2nd, 2024 Today we closed a deal with a left bank civilian hospital with 18 military members getting treated in the ophthalmology department.  Seemed like roughly of the 10-12 soldiers we saw 1/3 to 1/2 were totally blind.  Other soldiers lovingly acting many times as guides to the blind soldiers – the guides had a patch over one eye.

We delivered 6 boxes of ophthalmology surgical care items. FootPrint had sent us a box of eye surgery supplies, Chuck had miniature eye surgery instruments from MedWish, Steve had many items in his recent Door County boxes including calcium chips for facial bone reconstruction, Medical Missionaries of Manassas VA contributed gauzes and surgical gloves, Jan had sent eye patches which were eagerly scooped up as soon as I pulled them out to show the doctors. We even gave some brand new miniature scoops attached to a probe that we got off the 38 pallet deal from London- a very valuable instrument the surgeons commented.

I offered some extra plastic eye cup devices and our ophthalmologist about cried. They can’t buy them here -out of stock; we have 50 to give them.

I have never seen such a bazaar – head nurse in all blue scrubs was going over the surgical instruments with a fine tooth comb and looking up with a chee’ky smile and thumbs up- yes, GOOD! Nurse in all white went over all the instruments and kept 8 in her hands and had no intention of letting go of them. The surgeons and nurses both commented at least once or twice in astonishment that we had given them instruments they had only read about or seen at a trade show- but they knew exactly how to use the instruments. They requested more of a few things and said they couldn’t use 3 boxes of FootPrint’s devices – not because they were expired (2 yrs ago) but because it did not fit their machine, but they said they knew the exact hospital/ person who had this machine and could use all three boxes. Very valuable items!! Great day and great help to the soldiers, doctors and community.

Nurse had no intention of letting go of surgical instruments. :-).
Charles G. Ikins, USMCR ret of Clinton OH
relying on Col Chuck2

Dec 1, 2024:

From our person who is passing the aid to the medics this morning. Your team in Manasass Medical Missionaries is helping.

Anya english is not her first language- “zero line” is the trench holding back russians

He’s the chief medic of the 37th Brigade and our battalion and he came with the vehicle from Line 0 directly to us to pick up your boxes. I promise you I have tears in my eyes. I asked him how he was doing but he’s not doing well at all. There are a lot of wounded and a lot of dead, a lot of dead and your equipment is really crucial and that’s why he came to pick it up. You are directly involved in saving lives on Line 0.

I wanted to know how much I put in boxing and just in the column and then I know how to do the rest and thank you very much today, it’s downright the armored vehicle that came from the front line to get your equipment, the front line has come closer to us.

They use this vehicle directly on line 0 and therefore it is not far from where we are and many injured every day dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens what you give as material helps to save lives.

Monte Dunard: I wanted to tell you this because it is very important that you know this and the ambulance will then evacuate the injured to less dangerous points.

Monte Dunard: What you sent as the first box, he told me it was one of the best materials he had received and here she is also very happy with what is inside. He will try to make a list when he has time but he is always evacuating the wounded and the dead.

Monte Dunard: But he comes every time to pick up the equipment from my house even if it’s a few boxes because a few boxes save and protect lives.

equipFrontLine
equipFrontLine2
Sad they are relying on Col Chuck and I for saving lives with supplies from your team. yesterday we unboxed what I sent in Oct from NoVa
This is being sent to frontline stabilization point today

Nov 30th, 2024: Big shout out to Dr Irwin and everyone at Medical Missionaries. Great boxes of supplies from Manassas to Kyiv. Next stop stabilization points near the frontlines.

Nov 29th, 2024 Thanks to Defacto who helped with this project. We added her donated forceps to the 80 other specialized vascular surgical instruments we sent to the surgeon. We added 75 coagulator electronic surg instruments that he requested also.

The surgeon stated: “we are helping to save lives and save limbs. Thanks- I appreciate everyone who has helped us along the way the last 2 years- Nurse Anna, Chaplain, Kate the Canadian, Jezebel, FootPrint, Dylan, 3XR, Misneach Ireland, D. Vangaurd, Hanuska, Irish Dave UAD, Johnny Ukr Relief Fund, Pam, Ana McB of UK, Kaz, many others… it’s not just The Traveling Colonels. Thanks. We have a lot to be thankful for– Slava Ukrainii!

Nov 5th, 2024.  Great support from Dr Gil and Medical Missionaries Manassas.

I collected these items in Northern Virginia about 6 weeks ago and shipped them to kyiv by sea freight. They have arrived just as the first snow and below freezing weather on 5 Nov 2024. The bag I just unpacked will be the basis for a larger box of supplies I am sending to a frontlines Stabilization Point this afternoon.  Great support, timely, needed items- surgical gloves, gauzes, tape, wound care all needed as the Stab Points are short on supplies. Thanks. Colonel Monte, Kyiv

Surgical tape
Colonel Dunard and supplies
Surgical gloves
Wound pouches

Nov 4th, 2024.  Kyiv, Winter is coming!
I am sending out first aid kits and a few soldiers gift bags along with some extra socks Dr Gil of Medical Missionaries donated for Ukraine. Some nice hand made scarfs, hat and supplies to cheer up the somdiers and some dry socks. Thanks for the support. Colonel Monte

Boxed supplies for Kyiv
Clothing for Ukraine
Socks and more
Socks and supplies

This page has updates from November 2024 through June 2025 for the Traveling Colonels.  You can find current and older updates.

The post Traveling Colonels – Updates appeared first on Medical Missionaries.

]]> Medical Mission to Dominican Republic and Haiti https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/news-stories/medical-mission-to-dominican-republic-and-haiti/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=medical-mission-to-dominican-republic-and-haiti Sat, 08 Feb 2025 19:39:05 +0000 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/?p=10568 Medical Mission to Dominican Republic sponsored by Medical Missionaries. Nearly 900 patients seen within a week!

The post Medical Mission to Dominican Republic and Haiti appeared first on Medical Missionaries.

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On January 30th, a team of 3 doctors and 4 support staff flew to the Dominican Republic on a medical mission trip.  During their trip, they saw nearly 900 patients.  Ed Shedlick, the team’s historian, wrote a diary that we are sharing here.  Thank you Ed and team.

January 30th - Flight to the DR

After a few months of preparation, go day is finally here.   Five of the seven team are leaving from Dulles.  We met at 4am at check-in, and after a few bumps (I still remember a time when one could get help checking in), the team checked in and made it to the flight on time.

Ed’s update:

So today, I am back in the Dominican Republic (DR) in support of a medical team, doing medical related relief work for both Dominican and Haitian patients. Our plan is to operate a few clinics in the DR then get as close as possible geographically to Haiti to operate a few clinics specifically for Haitian patients.

We will stay in the city of Banica, on the Dominican Republic (DR) side of the Artibonite River (which forms the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti), and operate some of our clinics in rural areas in and around Banica for our Dominican patients. Then, slightly due west of Banica is an area known as “Los Cacaos”, which is a border crossing point between the DR and Haiti.

It is here at Los Cacaos that we plan on setting up clinic operations focused specifically to our Haitian patients. They will come across the border under the watchful eye of the Dominican police and military, receive treatment, and then be immediately escorted across the border back into Haiti. It’s not perfect, but it reflects current reality – Haiti is right now a schizophrenic basket case where everyday life for Haitians can be problematic while being a Westerner in Haiti is just downright dangerous.  So actually going in country is a non starter for us as it is for all of the western NGO’s today.

Given Haiti’s current situation, even with UN intervention, I harbor no illusions that Haiti can or will right itself in my lifetime. It’s too poor, too corrupt, too downright broken to do that currently. Yet, the country and its people continue to “tug” at my heart, as it does to many who have been there previously (including myself) and I have hopes that perhaps one of the children or infants seen by our or other western medical providers might, one day, take up a leadership role and save their country and its people. Hence, I go holding tightly to that hope and prayer.

Map of Dominican Republic
Dr Bazaco on bus to Banica
Team on bus to Banica
Banica

January 31st - Organize pharmacy

In order to have a successful medical mission trip, several things have to come together.  We need a great team (check), we need great partners in the DR (check), and we need to acquire and ship medicines(partial-check). 

This year the team collected over the counter medicines and other medical supplies for several weeks before the trip.  We then placed all of the supplies in suitcases.  Each team member took one or two suitcases with them on the flight.  Unfortunately, two of the bags were flagged by Dominican Republic customs, and they removed some of the bags of vitamins.  Luckily, the majority of items made it safely through.

In the past, we carried prescription medicines in our suitcases as well.  This year,  with the help of Dr. Contreras, we purchased all of the  prescription medicines in the Dominican Republic.  At a minimum, it guaranteed that prescription medicines would be there when we needed them, and they wouldn’t be picked up by customs.  

Ed’s update:

So Day #1 was a medicine inventory and replenishment day. We unloaded the medicines we brought in from the states; did an inventory and took stock of what was “confiscated” by Dominican customs; and tried to replace those medicines as best we could. We then packed up the pharmacy in various suitcases and boxes, and now are ready to launch.

Tomorrow is our first clinic in a town named Haro Viejo, a river town south of Banica populated by many migrant Haitians.

My home away from home – it was 91• F with absolutely no breeze today and no air conditioning. No hot water for showers isn’t a bad thing I guess (although a cold shower at 5:00 AM can be a bit traumatic for sure). And now it’s Presidente time!

Bags brought from the US with medical supplies
Beds at the Center
Showers at the Center
Home away from home
Presidente beer is the way to celebrate
Organizing medications

February 1st - Hato Viejo clinic

Before the team left the US, we worked with Father McGraw and Dr. Contreras to determine how best to deploy the team.  We determined that the first 5 days would be primarily focused on the Dominican Republic, and the last two days on Haiti. However, the team would remain on the DR side the whole time.

Ed’s update:

So Day #2 our medical relief trip and our first clinic. We drove to the town of Hato Viejo, and located ourselves in an elementary school.

The town of Hato Viejo has approximately 5,000 inhabitants and is a river town south of Banica on the Artibonite River , the longest river in Haiti, and the longest on the island of Hispaniola. It is also the second-longest river in the Caribbean, behind the Cauto River in Cuba and it forms part of the international border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Today, the team saw approximately 232 patients, including multiple kids of the patients, for a total of 232 patients, with Lorri-Ann Smith and Patrick Smith and I running the pharmacy. Then back to Banica to inventory and reconstitute the pharmacy for tomorrow’s clinic.

And now it’s El Presidente time!

Ed with shades
Ed with his shades again
Traveling through the DR
Hato Viejo school
Clinic patients
Patients waiting to be seen
Working the pharmacy
Patients waiting their turn
Heading home
Full cargo bed!

February 2nd - El Corbano

Two days in, and we have realized that we are going to need more prescription medicines.  We have ordered more locally and expect to have it by Monday evening.  

The team saw less patients today than we were expecting.  Maybe it being Sunday and a more remote region caused a smaller number of patients to visit.

Ed’s update:

So Day #3 of our medical relief trip. This morning, we drove north east along the Haitian border to the town of El Corbano, about 30 minutes from Banica. We again set up shop in a local elementary school. Unlike Hato Viejo, which was comprised mostly of Haitian refugees, El Corbano is mostly made up of Dominican residents.

It is Sunday so both church and market day, so the team saw a relatively small number of patients – 51 patients, for a total of 283 patients so far over the last two clinics (232 patients + 51 patients). Again, Patrick Smith, Lorri-Ann Smith and I ran the pharmacy, filling prescriptions.

Afterward, it was back to Banica to inventory and reconstitute the pharmacy for tomorrow’s clinic. And it’s getting to be a habit, but it’s El Presidente time!

Almost ready to go
Pet or..?
Planning meeting
Team mugging it up
Ready for the next patient
Examining a young patient
Medical exams
Pharmacists working hard
Pharmacy set up.
02-04
On the way
Team picture!!

February 3rd - El Morro

The team has gotten into a groove, and each clinic is getting easier than the previous one.   Aside from the work that is being done in the DR, the team brought supplies for St. Joseph Clinic.  More on that in the next few days.

Ed’s update:

So Day #4 of our medical relief trip. This morning, an “hour’ish” long drive in the back of our pickup trucks east into the mountainous interior of the country over rough, unpaved roads to a hamlet called El Morro.  We set up our dispensary outside in the shade, which turned out to be a blessing given the nice breeze that was blowing today.

The team saw 160 patients today, for a total of 443 patients so far over the last three clinics (232 patients + 51 patients + 160 patients).  Again, Lorri-Ann Smith, Patrick Smith and I ran the pharmacy, filling prescriptions written by our medical providers. Afterward, it was back to Banica to inventory and reconstitute the pharmacy for tomorrow’s clinic.
Patients at the clinic
Pharmacy set up
Working the pharmacy
Lining up to be seen
Seeing patients
The roads of DR
Team setting up
Clinic area for today
Arriving at El Morro

February 4th - Higuerito

This is the last day of clinics focused on the DR population.  The next two will be focusing on Haitians.  We are also working with St. Joseph Clinic in Haiti to get a new laptop and medicines to them.

Ed’s update:

So Day #5 of our medical relief trip. This morning, we headed a bit southeast from Banica to the town of Higuerito. Unlike earlier clinics, our journey to Higuerito was accomplished over paved roadway which made getting there (and getting back) so much more easier in the back of the pickup trucks.

The team saw 159 patients today, for a total of 602 patients so far over the last four clinics (232 patients + 51 patients + 160 patients + 159 patients). We even had a visit from the local mayor (who has 2 kids living in New Jersey!).

Afterward, it was back to Banica for Lorri-Ann Smith, Patrick Smith, and I to inventory and reconstitute the pharmacy for our last two clinics, both scheduled to be held at Los Cacaos, one of a number of rather “semi official” border crossing points between the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Mayor came to visit
Where clinic was held
Heading to Higuerito
On the road again

February 5th - Los Cacaos

This is the first time the team has gone to Los Cacaos on this trip, but we have been here before.   Last time, some of the team walked across the border and visited a nascent clinic.  Medical Missionaries sent a container to Banica that arrived early January which had medical supplies for that small clinic.

Ed’s update:

So Day #6 of our medical relief trip, Los Cacaos. Truly an interesting place, Los Cacaos is actually described as a “Haitian market town” – which, I think gives rise to the seemingly everlasting question of who actually owns the place, The Dominican Republic or Haiti.

Unlike the crossing point south of Los Cacaos and immediately west of Banica, which is actually nothing more than a rutted pathway across the Artibonite River (and the one I used in 2018 to gain access into Haiti), one can actually cross into Haiti via the Los Cacaos crossing point (which is due west of Pedro Santana) without actually getting one’s feet wet in the Artibonite River. That’s because you cross the Artibonite while still on soil claimed by the Dominican Republic – I’d venture to guess that opinion may not be universally held by Haiti, if you get my drift, which in turn seems to give rise to the ownership question.

Anyway, the team set up in concrete market stalls, and ultimately saw 150 patients today, for a total of 752 patients so far over the last five clinics (232 patients + 51 patients + 160 patients + 159 patients +150 patients). Afterward, it was back to Banica for Lorri-Ann Smith, Patrick Smith and I to imreconstitute the pharmacy as best possible for our last clinic, scheduled to be held back at Los Cacaos tomorrow. In the interim, it’s “Bonne Nuit” as the Haitian Creoles say.

06-01
Leaving Los Cacaos
Road to Los Cacaos
Border guards
Busy day
Ready for the next patient
Los Cacaos border
Patients waiting to be seen

February 6th - Los Cacaos

As we wrap up our final day of clinics, we are aware of the immense need and humbled by the realization that our efforts, though well-intentioned, are a single drop in a vast ocean.  Still, this week our work made a difference in the lives of those that we saw.

Ed’s update:

So Day #7 (our last) of our medical relief trip, again in Los Cacaos. Yesterday’s patient count of 150 seemed a bit low, particularly given the proximity of our clinic to the Haitian border crossing point; however today more than made up for it!

Our clinic was only a little over 3 hours long, due to medication limitations, and we saw 120 patients in that short 3 hour period of time! In fact, as we began to run low on medicines and the crowd got wind we were trying to close down, we had a crowd frenzy erupt. We successfully extricated ourselves, filling prescriptions at a frenetic rate, then jumped.  Ultimately, we saw 120 patients today, for a total of 872 patients over the six clinics held last week (232 patients + 51 patients + 160 patients + 159 patients +150 patients + 120 patients).

Afterward, it was back to Banica for Lorri-Ann Smith, Patrick Smith, and I to breakdown the pharmacy, package the remaining medicines for donation to our hospital in Thomassique, Haiti or store here for our next series of clinics, celebrate and drink some El Presidente beers and eat some burgers, and get a good night’s rest for our early morning departure overland back to Santo Domingo. Faces of our patients at Los Cacaos, the Haitian border.

06-01
Leaving Los Cacaos
Patients waiting to be seen
Los Cacaos border
Ready for the next patient
Busy day
Border guards
Road to Los Cacaos
Santo Domingo

February 7th - Santo Domingo

Leaving Banica.  Team has left supplies for St. Joseph Clinic, though very little was left over.  Team will relax tonight and then fly back to the US tomorrow.  If this sort of trip sounds interesting to you, drop a note at info@medicalmissionaries.org, and let us know. 

Ed’s update:

So today, it was a morning 4.5 hour bus ride on the “Expreso Banica” taking Lorri-Ann Smith, Patrick Smith and me from Banica to Santo Domingo for our flight home tomorrow. 

Checkpoints along the way slowed our progress as the Dominican National Police looked for illegal Haitian migrants trying to get from the border area to Santo Domingo.

And what could be more exciting than knowing that hot showers (the 0530 cold showers in Banica were not really refreshing for me no matter how many times I told myself they were!), a comfortable bed (the steel framed bunk beds left a lot to be desired), and a pool and bar all awaited us in Santo Domingo at the Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino (a Marriott property).

Even more exciting? Old town Santo Domingo on a Friday night and a big pepperoni pizza at Pizzarelli!

Bus to head to Santo Domingo
Dinner!
Getting ready for dinner
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo
07-09
Santo Domingo
Police checking for stoways
Military output looking for stowaways

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]]> Traveling Colonels https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/news-stories/traveling-colonels/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=traveling-colonels Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:44:25 +0000 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/?p=10307 Traveling Colonels are a group of individuals who are actively involved in humanitarian efforts in the Ukraine. Check out how Medical Missionaries has supported their mission.

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The “Traveling Colonels” are a group of individuals who are actively involved in humanitarian efforts, particularly in supporting Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. They are known for their dedication to delivering essential supplies and medical aid to those in need. 

Medical Missionaries was contacted by Colonel Monte last year and found out about his organization’s mission.  Since then Medical Missionaries has provided hundreds of medical supplies to help injured troops in the Ukraine.

The following pictures and videos were shared by Colonel Monte.

This page has the latest updates from the Traveling Colonels.  You can find current updates and from  November 2024 through June 2025 as well.

Medical supplies to be given directly to soldiers.
Medical supplies to be given directly to soldiers.

Col Monte working with over 200 pounds of Medical Missionaries of Manassas donated first aid and medic medical supplies which will be carried into Ukraine. The abdominal bandages, tape, triangle bandages and hygiene items will be given directly to soldiers, unit medics and military hospitals.

We have several doctors that specialize in womens health. Unfortunately we typically give the 2-O Vicryl sutures to OBGYN doctors for the sexual abuse cases which come from the occupied territories of Ukraine. The bandaids go into first aid kits for the frontline soldiers.

Bandaids and other supplies
Bandaids and other supplies
Medical Gloves
Medical Gloves Donated by Medical Missionaries

Surgical gloves are given to the surgeons we support in the military hospitals.  Gloves are an item that is always in demand. Dr Olexy a neurologist at the Kyiv Military hospital picked up the exam gloves and surgical gloves in Kyiv.

Colonel Monte, Dr Olexy and Colonel Chuck in Kyiv
Colonel Monte, Dr Olexy and Colonel Chuck in Kyiv

Colonel Monte, Dr Olexy a Ukrainian military Neurosurgeon and Colonel Chuck in Kyiv, Ukraine Oct 10th. A load of donated medical supplies were taken to a forward frontline medical clinic.

Supplies being delivered
Supplies being delivered

Early October the Traveling Colonels drove to Chernihiv, Ukaine to personally deliver medical supplies to an underserved military hospital 25 miles from Russia. That hospital is treating causalities from Kursck invasion inside Russian territory. 325 wounded soldiers are being treated at the hospital. Many missing a leg, arm or both.

The Chief Surgeon asked for additional personal hygiene items as they did not have even toothbrushes for the soldiers. Dr Irwin gave us a large box of donated toothbrushes and toothpaste to give to the soldiers when I return to Ukraine next week.

Thank you Medical Missionaries! The help we received will make a difference in the care and recovery of many soldiers.

Today at the military hospital in Chernihiv, a Ukrainian  soldier was given a prosthetic sock to cover his leg having lost the leg on the frontlines. Thanks to Medical Missionaries and Dr Irwin for the support.  Previously a left leg was donated and given to a prosthetic maker in Kyiv Ukraine for a soldier.

At the Chernihiv military hospital last month we saw maybe 50 of the 325 soldiers.  Of the 50, about a quarter were missing a missing limb.

Dr Irwin of Medical Missionaries offered a left leg prosthesis - Col Monte said " Will take it. Unfortunately, lots of opportunities to use these in Ukraine" - Few days later the leg prosthesis arrives in Kyiv.
Dr Irwin of Medical Missionaries offered a left leg prosthesis - Col Monte said " Will take it. Unfortunately, lots of opportunities to use these in Ukraine" - Few days later the leg prosthesis arrives in Kyiv.
Days later and the leg is being used.
Soldier helped with some of the prosthetic supplies recently donated.
Soldier helped with some of the prosthetic supplies recently donated.
Everything helps such as these prosthetic liners. Long ways from Manassas

This page has the latest updates from the Traveling Colonels.  You can find current updates and from  November 2024 through June 2025 as well.

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]]> Friends of Medical Missionaries Fall Festival 2024 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/news-stories/friends-of-medical-missionaries-fall-festival-2024/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=friends-of-medical-missionaries-fall-festival-2024 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:21:14 +0000 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/?p=10290 Friends of Medical Missionaries Fall Festival is just a few days from now. Get your tickets today!

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Hey everyone!

The “Friends of Medical Missionaries Fall Festival” is almost here— this Saturday, rain or shine! We’ve got everything ready for an amazing day: delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music, exciting raffles, and so much more. We’ll be celebrating in full swing to support a great cause!

This festival is more than just fun, it’s an important fundraiser for Medical Missionaries, an organization that makes a real impact locally, across the U.S., and around the world. From providing food and medical supplies to underserved local communities to supporting life-saving projects globally, we’re dedicated to helping those in need.  We need you to help make this event a success!

So, gather your friends, family, and everyone who loves good food, great music, and helping to make a difference! Your presence will help us reach our goals and have a blast while doing it. See you there!

Friends Of Medical Missionaries Fall 2024 Festival

And before you register, we want to remind you about a special auction item we have for this year’s fundraiser! The amazing team at Purnell, McKennett, and Menke law firm has donated an incredible estate planning package worth $3100 for our auction! It’s a chance to secure your family’s future while supporting a great cause.

How to bid:

    • First Price Sealed Bid Auction:  Send an email to info@medicamissionaries.org with your best offer by October 18th.
    • On the day of the Annual Fall Festival at Wendy Knoll Farm, the live auction will start at the best sealed bid so far.

 

Medical Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic

Medical Missionaries is gearing up for an important trip to the Dominican Republic where we’ll be providing much-needed medical care to both Dominican and Haitian communities.   We need your help to make it happen!

We’re currently collecting essential items, and you can make a real difference by donating any of the following:

      • Adult vitamins
      • Children vitamins
      • Pre-Nata vitamins
      • Aspirin
      • Antacids
      • Neosporin
      • Pedialyte powder
      • Hydrocortisone Cream
      • Lidocaine
      • Generic Zyrtec Antihistamine

You can drop off these items at our office any time between now and November 2nd. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@medicalmissionaries.org. Your donations will help us provide crucial care to those in need.  Thank you for your support!

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]]> Prince William Senior Resource Group Happy Hour https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/news-stories/prince-william-senior-resource-group-happy-hour/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=prince-william-senior-resource-group-happy-hour Sat, 27 Jul 2024 17:45:28 +0000 https://www.medicalmissionaries.org/?p=10144 Prince William Senior Resource Group is holding their Ninth Annual Happy Hour with a Purpose. in support of Medical Missionaries. Read about it and join us.

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Tickets: $25 in advance and $30 at the door. 

Click image to purchase tickets

PWSRG HAPPY HOUR FLYER 2024

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