frontpage Archives - Medical Missionaries

Traveling Colonels

user — Sun, 17 May 2026 22:59:28 +0000

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/travelingcolonels

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

May 17th, 2026

From Colonel Monte:

Maybe another phase to life in Ukraine under the constant strain from the 1700 drones, missiles bombs since Wednesday. Largest air attack on Ukraine in 4 years.

We remain safe. 2 Shahed drones bypassed the warehouse on Friday and Saturday. Just my casual observations and reporting, nothing official or for the record.
Part of my day. Our mission continues.

One of our Ukrainian volunteers requests that I share this facebook page. You may need to ask Facebook to translate it for you.

Col Monte 17 May Kyiv

May 16th, 2026

From Colonel Monte:

A very nice message from Dr Keith the Canadian neurosurgeon that has sent literally an overwhelming amount of big boxes of high end medical supplies. He has sent over 60 boxes and we are still working through his supplies.

Thanks for everyone’s help and support getting the medical aid out to hospitals and stab points.

Colonel Monte, thanks for the superb reporting; what incredible work you and your team are doing over there! I’m so glad to be able to partner with your group!

May 13th, 2026

From Colonel Monte:

A message from the Deputy Mayor Marianna from Gluhkov community hospital. We have sent them a lot of aid but the head doctor always looks frustrated when standing with our aid. Deputy Mayor Marianna reports these more positive results

The doctors are very pleased and grateful for your help! It’s just that these last two days have been very difficult for the city’s doctors—there are wounded not only military personnel but also civilians, including children. In the photo for the report, they look tired!
Believe me, we really, really appreciate your help.

May 13th, 2026

From Colonel Monte:

Colonel Chuck sourced 12 of the cardio stents for Dr Serhii. He’s a neurosurgeon who then passes them on to his cardiologist buddy at Lviv military hospital. Not to blow smoke on Steve Nash … but this handful is valued at over $20,000+ if bought on the open market. But all donations help.

We got some other aid and 8 more boxes at Meest Boryspil tomorrow. All helps. We have not even touched Steve’s 20 boxes in Chucks’ room. Not a competition everyone is making a significant difference.

May 13th, 2026

From Colonel Monte:

I am lucky! I see and talk to all these surgeons at 12-14 hospitals and stab pts. Tomorrow I meet with the Dean of the medical college here in Kyiv. I chat with surgeons all day from Zaporizhzhia to Chernihiv. Pediatric doctors to OB/GYN doctors- I try to pass along their stories and comments on our support but I can’t make it fully illustrated or understood I think.

Big or small. $20,000 of cardio stents or a box of gauze, some random mixed medical to rolls of tape to airways and IV lines or epidural needles. Every single box and item sent is being used and making a difference.

Donations help grease the skids and make it possible to ship and operate but our business model today is getting free aid into Kyiv by whatever means and then sending it out. Without the boxes and boxes and pallets of aid we are done. This free aid is our life blood and how we help Ukraine and how we save lives.

Thanks to everyone who has an oar in the water big or small it all matters.

Colonel Monte, Kyiv

May 10th, 2026

From Colonel Monte:

Great report from Lviv military hospital neurosurgeon on recent supplies sent to his hospital. He distributes aid across every department of the hospital. One of our top recipients. But his report mirrors other hospitals in that one element remains constant- everything is needed and being used from neurological aneurysm clips to wound care to cold packs for blood storage to gastrointestinal to critical care.

Thank you!

Hi Monte, great to hear from you again. Welcome back to Ukraine!
From the number of packages, I immediately understood that Monte had returned 😊
We received many very useful supplies — I distributed everything among the departments according to their profiles. The abdominal surgeons, traumatologists, ophthalmologists, and ENT specialists all received support, and most of the supplies went to our ICU.
I even found 2 microclips for cerebral aneurysms 🙂 — just last week I operated on 3 such patients.
Now the neurosurgeons in my clinic are wearing wonderful red and gray surgical scrubs, so we can be recognized from a long distance now 😊
A SPECIAL thank you for the cold packs — our blood service is extremely grateful for them.
Thank you, Monte, personally, and thanks to your entire team and all the people who support and supply you. We truly appreciate everything you are doing for us and for Ukraine!!!

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Medical Missionaries April 2026

user — Sun, 17 May 2026 17:23:41 +0000

As we turn the page to May, we wanted to take a moment to look back at an incredible April. It was National Volunteer Month, and there was no better way to celebrate than by seeing our community in action. As a 100% volunteer-run organization, the milestones we reached last month once again proved that your dedication is the heartbeat of Medical Missionaries.

In April, your support powered several major achievements:

Honoring Our Heritage: We spent the month recognizing the “Point of Light” provided by our volunteers, while pausing to honor the memory of those like Dr. Ken Kornetsky, whose legacy continues to guide us.
Strengthening St. Joseph Clinic: We made significant progress on physical plant improvements in Haiti. These structural and systems upgrades are essential to ensuring the clinic remains a reliable sanctuary of health for the Thomassique community.
A Strategic Vision Developed: We celebrated the successful completion of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Capstone Project. The cadets delivered a comprehensive roadmap that will help guide our fundraising and social media efforts for years to come.
Essential Supplies Delivered: Our team completed another vital run to Grundy, Virginia, delivering a truckload of food and supplies to our partners at the Rocklick Food Pantry.

Thank you for making April such a productive and meaningful month. Because of your hard work last month, we are moving into the rest of the year with more strength and vision than ever!

Celebrating the Heart of Our Mission: National Volunteer Month

April marked National Volunteer Appreciation Month—a time celebrated globally to recognize the people who give their most precious resource: time. This year’s theme, “Ignite Volunteerism,” perfectly captures the spark that started Medical Missionaries nearly 30 years ago.

A “Rare Point of Light”
Since our inception, Medical Missionaries has remained a purely volunteer-run non-profit. In the world of charitable organizations, this is a rare and beautiful thing. Our mission doesn’t move forward because of a paid staff; it moves because of the passion of our community.

To our doctors, nurses, construction workers, donors, friends, and family: you are the fuel that keeps this “Point of Light” shining brightly for those in need. Whether you have traveled across the ocean or supported us from home, we salute and thank you.

Honoring Our Legacy
As we celebrate our volunteers, we also pause to honor those who are with us in spirit. We especially remember Dr. Ken Kornetsky, who passed away in 2025. While his absence leaves a profound hole in our hearts and our organization, his legacy of service continues to inspire everything we do.

Looking Ahead to 30 Years
The flame you’ve ignited is only growing stronger. As we approach our 30th Anniversary in 2027, we are so grateful to have all of you aboard.

Let’s continue to ignite hope, together.

Resilience and Renewal at St. Joseph Clinic

While violence continues to challenge the regions surrounding Port-au-Prince, we are relieved to report that the area around St. Joseph Clinic in Thomassique has remained relatively stable. This peace has allowed our staff to stay focused on what they do best: providing life-saving care.

The impact of the clinic during the first quarter of 2026 has been remarkable. From January through March, our dedicated team:

Provided healthcare to over 3,000 patients.
Welcomed 116 new babies into the world.
Treated over 100 patients per month through our Chronic Disease Treatment Program, where our doctors provide essential monitoring and medication for high blood pressure.

Strengthening the Clinic Infrastructure
In April, Clinic Manager Junior Charles Saint-Fleur began a series of vital improvements to the physical plant. The combination of intense rain and tropical humidity is incredibly taxing on the facility’s structures. This year’s rainy season was particularly harsh, damaging several unprotected areas of the clinic.

Repairs and preventative maintenance are already underway to ensure the clinic remains a safe, dry, and functional sanctuary for our patients. Below are some photos of our team hard at work on these improvements. Your continued support is the lifeline that allows this work to persist.

Coast Guard Academy Capstone Team Delivers Strategic Vision

On April 27th, a talented team of Senior Cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy—Nikko Beato, Kate Tlapa, Aiana Cayao, and Moani Farias—presented their Final Capstone Report to our leadership team.

Tasked with helping Medical Missionaries plan for the future, the cadets delivered comprehensive recommendations in four critical areas:

Fundraising Innovation
Social Media Engagement
Organizational Succession
Strategic Financial Planning

These cadets initially chose Medical Missionaries for their project based on deeply personal inspirations. After hearing the stories behind their commitment, it is clear that their passion matched the professional quality of their work. We are honored to have been part of their final academic journey and wish them “fair winds and following seas” as they begin their service. We hope they remain lifelong friends of our mission!

Celebrate National Volunteer Week with Us
In the spirit of National Volunteer Week, we invite you to see the cadets’ work in action. Check out their latest video on our Facebook page!

Did you know? Medical Missionaries has been serving underserved communities since 1997. That is nearly 30 years of global impact, powered entirely by people like you. Come join the mission! Whether you’re a graduating cadet or a local neighbor, there is a place for you in our community.

Supplies and Equipment In and Out

On the Road to Appalachia: Delivering Hope to Grundy, VA

Our mission to support the Rocklick Food Pantry in Grundy, Virginia, continues to move forward—literally!

A huge thank you to Dr. George Bazaco and his colleague, Gregg Phillips, who recently manned the Medical Missionaries truck and trailer for the six-hour journey into the heart of Appalachia. Their delivery was packed with essential food and supplies destined for our neighbors in need.

This vital project relies on the steady stream of generosity we see at our doors every day. Whether it’s a single bag of groceries or a carload of supplies, your daily donations are the engine that keeps our trailer moving. We are incredibly grateful for every item contributed and for the dedicated volunteers who ensure they reach the community in Grundy.

Want to help? We are always collecting non-perishable food, hygiene products, and baby supplies. Check out our website for items that we accept. Every donation is appreciated!

Local Donations: Our doors are open to collect or distribute in-person donations Monday thru Saturday, 8am to noon. Every donation goes to someone in need.

Please consult our updated list of items we can accept. Any questions, call the office at 703-335-1800. It is helpful if we know you are coming!

In April, Medical Missionaries had 172 donors visit our office and helped 63 clients.

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Medical Missionaries March 2026

user — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:54:59 +0000

The Medical Missionaries team was truly global this March. While our volunteers were spread from Europe to the West Coast and North Carolina, our home base in Northern Virginia remained a hub of constant activity.

It was a month of massive impact: we shipped a container of critical medical supplies to Sierra Leone, began preparations to deliver essential food and provisions to our partners in Grundy, VA, and received feedback on our collaborative Coast Guard Academy Capstone Project. Whether across an ocean or in our own backyard, we are getting it done.

Your Voice Matters! If you believe in our mission, please consider leaving a review on GreatNonprofits.org. Many potential donors and volunteers use these reviews to decide where their support can make the most difference. A candid testimonial from you helps Medical Missionaries build trust and reach more people in need.

Coast Guard Academy Capstone Project

Our partnership with Coast Guard Academy Cadets Nikko Beato, Kate Tlapa, Aiana Cayao, and Moani Farias is reaching an exciting milestone. The team has been hard at work interviewing our Manassas staff and researching ways to move our mission forward. Following their impressive preliminary presentation last month, we are eager to see their final recommendations on modernizing our social media, streamlining fundraising, and enhancing our organizational strategies.

They have already hit the ground running by helping us manage our online presence—be sure to check out our Facebook posts from March 4th, 17th, 19th, and 23rd to see their work in action! Below ou can read the moving stories of what inspired these Cadets to choose Medical Missionaries for their Capstone Project.

Nikko Beato: The Medical Missionaries Capstone is my top choice because I value giving back to communities and supporting those in need. Assisting a nonprofit in strengthening its ability to serve the less fortunate is a meaningful cause I am eager to contribute to. By helping the organization enhance its operations for long-term sustainability, I will not only support their mission but also gain valuable insight into how nonprofits function-an area I am deeply interested in learning more about which I can utilize one day in the future.

Aiana Cayao: I chose this project as my top preference because of my strong interest in making an impact through medical missionary work and helping a non-profit organization improve its funding resources and network. By increasing publicity and potentially building relationships with the U.S. Coast Guard or other reputable networks and companies, the organization could gain greater support and donations. I also find this project appealing because it is not as heavily Coast Guard–related as other capstone options, meaning it can benefit me beyond my time in service. The skills and future networking relationships I develop through this experience will be valuable both during my career and after I transition out of the Coast Guard. This project is an excellent opportunity to apply the management skills we learned in class such as marketing, financial literacy (for improving investments), communication and presentation, and critical thinking, in a way that contributes to both professional growth and a humanitarian mission.

Moani Farias: I am already a part of a non profit and I want experience on how to run one. I want to use what I learn with this project to help out the non profit I am a part of. I am also a big advocate of service, so I found a huge interest in this.

Kate Tlapa: I chose this as my number one because it really interests me. I’ve always wanted to work with a non profit organization, and I am super excited to be able to have an opportunity to work with one. I also am interested in the marketing side of how they can get advertise what they do and get more support.

Finally, we were honored to virtually attend the Class of 2026 Billet Night! We are so proud of our team as they prepare for graduation this May; they will all be heading to Coast Guard ships located in Sitka, AK, Kodiak, AK, Portsmouth, VA and Alameda, CA. The team will virtually present their final Capstone Project later this month, and we look forward to tuning in. Stay tuned for the results!

Supplies and Equipment In and Out

Global Reach: Strengthening Healthcare in Sierra Leone

Our dedicated “mighty band” of volunteers recently loaded a shipping container now bound for Sierra Leone, West Africa. These essential medical supplies and equipment are earmarked for a hospital and several rural clinics in urgent need of resources.

This life-saving work is only possible because of your generosity. Every item donated to us is carefully repurposed to meet critical needs—whether they are local, regional, or halfway across the globe. Thank you for your continued support!

Supporting Global Missions with Women Giving Back
Huge thanks to Women Giving Back for their recent donation of 45 boxes of clothes and shoes! These items are headed to our projects in Sierra Leone and Jamaica to support families in need. We value this enduring partnership deeply—it is a vital part of our ability to serve locally and globally year after year.

Serving Our Neighbors in Grundy, VA
Medical Missionaries is gearing up for another trip to the Rocklick Food Pantry! Our trailer will be fully loaded with essential food, hygiene products, baby supplies, and other critical donations. We want to extend a special thanks to volunteers JD and Dr. George Bazaco, whose dedication behind the wheel has made our recent deliveries possible.

We are always accepting donations. Check out our website for ideas. Our drive to support the Rocklick Food Pantry in Grundy, VA is ongoing. Remember to “Fill a bag for Grundy!”

Local Donations: Our doors are open to collect or distribute in-person donations Monday thru Saturday, 8am to noon. Every donation goes to someone in need.

Please consult our updated list of items we can accept. Any questions, call the office at 703-335-1800. It is helpful if we know you are coming!

In March, Medical Missionaries had 164 donors visit our office and helped 63 clients.

In Honor of Women’s History Month 2026

One individual cannot possibly make a difference, alone. It is individual efforts, collectively, that makes a noticeable difference – all the difference in the world!J

Jane Goodall, Primatologist & Anthropologist

Medical Missionaries celebrates all our volunteers, nurses, doctors, and everyone else, who make our projects so successful in the US, Haiti and around the world!

The post Medical Missionaries March 2026 appeared first on Medical Missionaries.

Medical Missionaries February 2026

user — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:55:31 +0000

February was a whirlwind of action and impact for Medical Missionaries! We were deeply honored to be recognized by the Rotary Club of Manassas and were energized by a productive visit from the Coast Guard Cadet Capstone Team. Meanwhile, our “mighty medical team” returned safely from a highly successful medical mission to the Dominican Republic. In a month dedicated to love and friendship, we are proud to say that Medical Missionaries shared plenty of both with those we serve.

Celebrating Community: The Rotary Club Dinner

On January 31st, Medical Missionaries was honored to attend a wonderful dinner hosted by the Rotary Club of Manassas at the George Brent Knights of Columbus Post. We were proud to share the spotlight with our fellow honorees, the Knights of Columbus and Connections. It was a festive evening of community spirit, celebrating the impact of all three organizations—with a little pre-Super Bowl excitement thrown in for good measure! We are deeply grateful to the Rotarians for their enduring partnership and for a truly memorable night.

Coast Guard Academy Capstone Project

Medical Missionaries volunteer Patti Tutalo recently coordinated a site visit for our Coast Guard Cadet Capstone team, who are currently partnering with us on their senior project. Here is her report:

One of the joys of the last few months has been working with a cohort of cadets from the US Coast Guard Academy. Their capstone project involves working with Medical Missionaries, with whom I have volunteered for years. My intention for introducing this capstone to the cadets was to give them a different perspective than they would be given inside the gates of the CGA. It exposes them to humanitarian missions, nonprofits, and, most importantly, leading with empathy.

Recently, they visited the Medical Missionaries Office and met with the president, Dr. Gil Irwin, and other volunteer staff, who had a lot of leadership advice and insight.

The biggest takeaways:

- Get to truly know your patients or the people you lead or serve.
- Lead with empathy. This has been the key to leading an organization of all volunteers (no paid positions) for 28 years. It is also the motivator to keep going even on a bad day because poverty is always there.
- Work hard. At 84, Dr. Irwin continues to lift heavy boxes and drive long distances to make deliveries.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the cadets and Dr. Elise Jones, their awesome professor. Their leadership, mentorship, and friendship are so appreciated.

Supplies and Equipment In and Out

Jamaica: Medical Missionaries dispatched a trailer packed with essential aid—including food, clothing, school supplies, and critical medical equipment—now en route to Jamaica. Our dedicated partner, Rev. Russell, continues his tireless work on the ground, supporting communities still reeling from the recent hurricane. We are already preparing for our next shipment in April!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this monumental effort.

Grundy, VA: Medical Missionaries recently loaded up “The Beast” and hit the road for Roanoke, VA. Upon arrival, our team met with Jerry and BJ from the Rocklick Food Pantry to transfer a full load of food, hygiene products, and baby essentials to the pantry’s truck.

While in town, the team also connected with Brenda, a local resident who wished to donate medical supplies that belonged to her late husband. By coordinating these stops, our team was able to seamlessly deliver much-needed aid to Rocklick while bringing in new donations to continue our mission. It was a perfectly timed and productive trip!

We are always accepting donations. Check out our website for ideas. Our drive to support the Rocklick Food Pantry in Grundy, VA is ongoing. Remember to “Fill a bag for Grundy!”

Local Donations: Our doors are open to collect or distribute in-person donations Monday thru Saturday, 8am to noon. Every donation goes to someone in need.

Please consult our updated list of items we can accept. Any questions, call the office at 703-335-1800. It is helpful if we know you are coming!

In February, Medical Missionaries had 120 donors visit our office and helped 62 clients.

The post Medical Missionaries February 2026 appeared first on Medical Missionaries.

Medical Mission January 2026

user — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 22:42:25 +0000

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.

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.

Stopped to eat after collecting the bags on way to Banica!

Finally able to get the bags from the authorities!!

Team visits the Banica caves

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.

Jessica keeping the line.

Sister Patricia sharing her soccer skills

Robert setting up patient intake.

Patiently waiting

Dr Smith set up labels for the pharmacy which will help our Spanish and Creole speaking patients.

Back at the center for lunch and then get medicines ready for next day.

Pharmacy in action

Pharmacy being set up.

Patients waiting on medicine from the pharmacy

Dr Smith checking on a patient.

Pharmacy at work.

Pharmacists at work.

Jessica helping patients

Erich and Robert talking about intake.

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?**

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.

Everyone received a toothbrush, toothpaste and vitamins until we ran out.

Setting up before patients arrive

Dr Contreras seeing a patient

Erich getting important info.

Erich getting information during intake.

Jessica having fun

Robert at work

Pharmacy set up

Patrick in the ppharmacy

Dr Yi with a patient

Blind patient had ingrown toenails that Dr Smith was able to cut and clean.

Waiting patiently for intake

Everyone waiting patiently for their turn

Heading to El Orbano

intake and docs

Gave a ride to some patients who came to the clinic.

Dr Bazaco, Reny and a patient.

Heading to El Orbano

Used a church as the pharmacy.

Pharmacy gang

Intake and doctors were placed underneath this covering.

Heading back to the Center

Dr Jacques waiting for the next 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.

Robert waiting to intake patients

Not enough people knew that we were coming, so the truck went to pick some up.

Getting ready to see a doctor.

Pharmacy at work

Lunch at the Center

Laura and Jessica hanging out in Pedro Santana

Pharmacy hard at work

Robert at intake

Dr Smith and a patient

Heading to El Morro

Always looking for attention 😉

Some of the crew in the pharmacy

David explaining medications to a patient

Erich getting ready for intake

Jessica cheering the kids up.

El Morro

Dr Bazaco with a patient

Driving in the DR

Jessica at the river that splits Haiti from the DR in Pedro Santana (rt 45 bridge)

Dr Smith seeing a patient

Jessica the ambassador

David with a friend

Getting ready to head out

Getting down to their level

Jessica and her fan club

Back at the center, preparing the pharmacy for the next day

Paula with cuties

Ed showing the right way to hold on

Reny the translator

The Pharamacy Crew

Paula with the young ones

Intake, and then to see a doc

Pharmacy was outside today

Picking the medicines for a patient

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.

Dr Smith with a patient

Team picture before starting up

Dr Bazaco walking through Los Cacaos

All different types of transportation

Patrick giving directions

Dr Smith with a youngster

RIver between DR and Haiti

Dr Bazaco filling a prescription

Jessica the ambassador

Robert getting blood pressure from a patient

Patiently waiting

Arriving at Los Cacaos and beginning to deal with burning trash (smoke in the background)

Los Cacaos medical clinic

David getting ready to join the DR military

Los Cacaos sign. The name is shared between DR and Haiti

Playing by the clinic

Getting ready to head out to Los Cacaos for a clinic

Los Cacaos medical clinic

Dr Contreras seeing a reticent patient

Across the border, into Haiti, to take a picture of a car with a Haitian license plate

Robert getting vitals

Los Cacaos market stlls

DR and Haiti border

Pharamacy for the Los Cacaos clinic is very bare

Laura helping out

Dr Bazaco in Los Cacaos

Dr Yi filling out a prescription

George with a youngster

Dr Smith with a patient

Patiently waiting to be seen

Erich working intake

Jessica tries her hand at wheelies

Pharmacy managing the onslaught of requests

At the DR and Haiti border

Robert and Erich hamming it up

Stream in Los Cacaos.

Dealing with the heat

Line for the pharmacy

On the way to Los Cacaos

Goats going for a walk in Banica

Los Cacaos medical clinic

DR and Haiti border

Los Cacaos, Haiti. The green building to the right and background are part of a school complex

A doctor from Los Cacaos came to help.

Everyone working hard

Dr Contreras with a patient

Dr Mari helping out in the pharmacy

Lottery house in Los Cacaos. DR and Haiti have lots of lottery places

Waiting in the shade for their turn

Getting a list of ailments during intake

Just a few more to be seen today.

Border gate between Haiti and DR

Group of patients waiting for the clinic to start

Robert getting information from a patient

After a long day, sitting around the Center laughing

Line for the pharmacy

A herd of donkeys seen on the way to Los Cacaos

Dr Bazaco walking back from Las Cacaos

A hotel (in the future) in Los Cacaos

Line for the pharmacy

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.

Paula and her fans.

We arrived in Banica after most of the market had closed, but a few were still out.

Clinics are done! A beer, and then some dinner.

Robert and Dr Smith working together

Keeping everyone in line

Everyone busy

We arrived in Banica after most of the market had closed, but a few were still out.

Pharmacy working as quickly as possible

Everyone focused on their work

Fully used pickup in Banica, DR

Waiting to be seen

Dr Smith interacting with a patient

Had lots of students come see us today

One bike can take alot!!

More people waiting for us today than yesterday

Paula riding back to Los Cacaos

Paula with some children

Dr Contreras sewing up a cut foot.

Dr Yi, a translator and a patient

The team with a St Joseph Clinic (Haiti) social services doctor.

Patiently waiting to be seen.

Working with Junior (in wheelchair) to get temperature, gender and age.

Carrying groceries in Banica

Laura taking a quick break

Looking out from the Center.

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.

The post Medical Mission January 2026 appeared first on Medical Missionaries.

Super Bowl Squares 2026

user — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 21:49:28 +0000

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:

Log on to Game 1:
- https://www.footballsquaresonline.com/game/1353772
- Game Number: 1353772
- Authorization Code: 9590
Log on to Game 2:
- https://www.footballsquaresonline.com/game/1353808
- Game Number: 1353808
- Authorization Code: 9590

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

The post Super Bowl Squares 2026 appeared first on Medical Missionaries.

Medical Missionaries December 2025

user — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:57:07 +0000

Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!

2025 flew by and Medical Missionaries stayed busy:

sending aid to the survivors of the Hurricane that devastated Jamaica
supporting St. Joseph Clinic in Haiti
shipping multiple containers of medical supplies overseas
driving tons of food and toys to Grundy, VA
assisting our neighbors in the Manassas area
giving medical supplies in support of the Traveling Colonels in Ukraine
helping to organize medical missions to the Dominican Republic and Haitian border
and more!

Thank you for your continuing support.

Haiti Update

St Joseph Clinic, in Thomassique, Haiti, was exceptionally busy this year. As we have mentioned in the past, Haiti continues its struggle to set up a working government that is able to handle the prevalent gang violence that is happening around the country, though primarily focused around Port-Au-Prince. In April of 2025, a major hospital in Mirebalais was taken over by gangs. Many in Mirebalais picked up and left town to nearby safer areas.

Once the displaced people find a safe area, if they do not have family or friends to live with, they create tent areas until they can find more permanent housing. Since April, St. Joseph Clinic has seen more patients due to the influx of people into the region. In addition, doctors from St. Joseph Clinic have run mobile clinics in these tent areas to provide healthcare to the needy.

Your support allowed St. Joseph Clinic to provide health care and emergency services to over 100 people per day. The clinic is averaging over 45 births per month.

Supplies and Equipment In and Out

The Rocklick Holiday Drive was a huge success. Our donors stepped in to donate money, food and toys. This drive highlighted the power of collaboration and the idea that by working together, we can achieve far more for those in need.

Medical Missionaries received a fantastic contribution of toy gifts, thanks to the combined effort of the Stafford Lions’ Club members, Sharon and Bud Gaylord, and Karen Taylor. They forged a valuable partnership with the Prince William Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Stafford, VA.

We also want to thank Mike and Natalie Thompson, John and Michelle Borg, Carolyn Little, Patti Stevenson, Paige Folsom, and Erin Jeans for their generous donations.

Sorority Members Normine and Shante Brown captained this impressive drive, demonstrating the incredible things that happen when we reach out to others for help. Thank you to everyone involved!

Jamaica Hurricane Relief

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.

Visit our website to see pictures and a thank you letter sent to Medical Missionaries.

Medical Missionaries on Film

Medical Missionaries is the focus of this recent film released from Spirit Juice Studios. The film highlights Dr. Irwin and the extraordinary work that Medical Missionaries continues to lead.

Please enjoy and share! Congratulations to Dr. Irwin!

Medical Missionaries January 2026 Medical Trip

Medical Missionaries is sponsoring a medical trip to the Dominican Republic in late January 2026. The team will be providing healthcare to the poor near the Dominican Republic and Haiti border.

We will be collecting these over the counter items until January 20th. Bottles of medicines need to be unopened and unexpired.

Vitamins: Children’s and Adult Multivitamins
Prenatal Vitamins
Pain Relief:
- Acetaminophen (Children’s and Adult)
- Ibuprofen (Children’s and Adult)
- Aleve (Naproxen)
Gastrointestinal Relief:
- Tums (Antacids)
- Imodium (Anti-diarrheal)
Topical Treatments:
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Hydrocortisone 1% Cream
Allergy Relief: Common non-drowsy allergy medicines (e.g., Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin)

How You Can Help

Please help us build a good supply of these medications to send to the DR and Haiti!

Shop Smart: The next time you are at the market or a wholesale store like Costco, consider picking up a few extra bottles. You can also order them online from your favorite retailer.
Drop-Off: Medications can be dropped off at our Manassas office.
Online Delivery: You can use your favorite online company and send items to 9590 SURVEYOR CT., MANASSAS, VA 20110. Send an email to info@medicalmissionaries.org so that we know a package is on its way.
Important: Please call ahead before dropping off medications. We do not want to leave temperature-sensitive items in our outdoor drop-off area.

Thank you in advance for your generosity! Your support ensures that those most in need receive these basic, yet life-saving, medications.

Local Families

This year Medical Missionaries office staff adopted a local family whom we have been assisting for a number of months. The family is experiencing severe medical and financial difficulties. The staff provided gifts for the 4 children and the parents and a Christmas dinner of turkey, sides and dessert.

Traveling Colonels: Colonel Monte of the Traveling Colonels continues to update Medical Missionaries on his important work in Ukraine. We have posted several videos, moving images, and his words on our website. You can keep in touch with Monte’s heroic work as he posts regularly.

Local Donations: Our doors are open to collect or distribute in-person donations Monday thru Saturday, 8am to noon. Every donation goes to someone in need.

Please consult our updated list of items we can accept. Any questions, call the office at 703-335-1800. It is helpful if we know you are coming!

In December, Medical Missionaries had 139 donors visit our office and helped 59 clients.

The post Medical Missionaries December 2025 appeared first on Medical Missionaries.

Jamaica Hurricane Relief

user — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 19:10:16 +0000

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.

The post Jamaica Hurricane Relief appeared first on Medical Missionaries.

Traveling Colonels

user — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 03:02:36 +0000

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.

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.

The post Traveling Colonels appeared first on Medical Missionaries.

Annual Letter From the President

user — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:50:44 +0000

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

The post Annual Letter From the President appeared first on Medical Missionaries.

frontpage Archives - Medical Missionaries

Traveling Colonels

Medical Missionaries April 2026

Celebrating the Heart of Our Mission: National Volunteer Month

Resilience and Renewal at St. Joseph Clinic

Coast Guard Academy Capstone Team Delivers Strategic Vision

Supplies and Equipment In and Out

Medical Missionaries March 2026

Coast Guard Academy Capstone Project

Supplies and Equipment In and Out

Global Reach: Strengthening Healthcare in Sierra Leone

Medical Missionaries February 2026

Celebrating Community: The Rotary Club Dinner

Coast Guard Academy Capstone Project

Supplies and Equipment In and Out

Medical Mission January 2026

Mission Trip

Jan 29th - Flying to the DR

Jan 30th - Retrieve bags

Jan 31st - Sabana Higuero

Feb 1st, Pilon

Feb 2nd - El Corbano

Feb 3rd - El Morro

Feb 4th - Los Cacaos

Feb 5th - Los Cacaos Part 2

Feb 6th - Back to Santo Domingo

Super Bowl Squares 2026

It is Super Bowl Squares time!!! SOLD OUT

Medical Missionaries December 2025

Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!

Haiti Update

Supplies and Equipment In and Out

Jamaica Hurricane Relief

Medical Missionaries on Film

Medical Missionaries January 2026 Medical Trip

Local Families

Jamaica Hurricane Relief

Traveling Colonels

Annual Letter From the President