St Phillip's Mission in Swaziland - US Army Africa - 13 Aug 09 : 無料・フリー素材/写真
St Phillip's Mission in Swaziland - US Army Africa - 13 Aug 09 / SETAF-Africa
| ライセンス | クリエイティブ・コモンズ 表示 2.1 |
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| 説明 | www.usaraf.army.milU.S. Army Africa commander visits another sort of missionBy Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army AfricaDuring a recent trip to Swaziland, Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III, commander of U.S. Army Africa, happened upon a goodwill mission to help Swaziland’s less fortunate children.Returning from Maloma, where U.S. And Swazi medics had set up a clinic during the military exercise MEDFLAG 09, the general and other senior U.S. and Swazi military leaders stopped at Saint Philip’s mission. Two American nuns came out to greet them. One was Sister Diane Dalle Molle, a nurse whose family comes from Vicenza, Italy – home to U.S. Army Africa headquarters. The Soldiers’ arrival was a pleasant surprise, she said. “It was stunning, this group of Soldiers driving up and stepping out – it was like something out of a movie – they looked huge,” Sister Diane said. “It’s impressive, here in the bush, when American Soldiers show up.”Garrett took time to chat with children and pose for photos with them and the staff. He also explained the U.S. military’s medical partnership with Swaziland, an effort that included professional exchanges and mentoring programs plus several medical, dental and veterinary clinics in Swazi villages. “We were pleased and impressed to hear what they are doing here,” Sister Diane said. “And, as Americans, it was a proud moment to see this kind of thing going on.”Sister Diane shared some of her experiences working in Swaziland.Five years ago, when she and Sister Barbara Staley arrived in Swaziland, they found a great need among the people – mostly those afflicted with HIV/AIDS who had little access to medication and healthcare. Nourishment, transportation and clinical care are their main priorities for the people they serve. “The work developed out of a need in the area. The nearest hospital is around 75 kilometers miles away and few had a way to get there,” Sister Diane said. “Through donors, we were able to establish a lifeline for the area’s neediest, orphaned children.” The mission was named for Saint Philip, a priest from Florence, Italy, who lived during the 13th century. The mission’s roots go back some 90 years, when Italian missionaries from the Order of Friar Servant of Mary arrived in Swaziland – then a British protectorate. The same order is associated with the basilica at Monte Berico, in Vicenza, Italy – nearby U.S. Army Africa’s headquarters. In the early 1970’s, nuns from Cabrini Ministries began staffing the mission. Garrett learned that Sister Diane’s grandfather was born in Vicenza. In December, Sister Diane will visit Italy. Garrett invited her Vicenza to learn more about what U.S. Army Africa has planned for the future.“It was interesting to learn the connections between Saint Philip’s mission and Vicenza, where our staff calls home,” Garrett said. “Italy’s faith-based missions have long served people in Africa. Through our interaction with such organizations, who have extensive experience working in Africa, we gain valuable knowledge that can help us in our own missions.”When a bus passes through the remote area, the sisters often grab a Swazi newspaper. One day, they had read how Americans were taking part in MEDFLAG 09, a U.S. Army Africa exercise that included the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force and the Swaziland Ministry of Health. Swazi military and civilian medics took part in a seminar with U.S. medical officers – sharing ideas that build capacity to work together in the future. Through “first responder” mentoring, 25 Swazi medics from the USDF and the health ministry gained important tools that can help them in a crisis.Overall, 16 Swazi medics, both military and civilians, took part in joint medical missions in local communities that helped Swazi people in need. “We knew Americans were in the country,” Sister Barbara said. “The night before, we got a call saying they might visit.” When the American and Swazi soldiers arrived, the children were filled with excitement, she said. “In Swaziland, people are happy to have others come here to help. The work Americans are doing here is first class,” Sister Barbara said. “Seeing them here, it makes you proud to be American. We pray for them and what they are doing.” |
| 撮影日 | 2009-08-13 14:04:34 |
| 撮影者 | SETAF-Africa , Vicenza, Italy |
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| カメラ | NIKON D300 , NIKON CORPORATION |
| 露出 | 0.004 sec (1/250) |
| 開放F値 | f/3.8 |
| 焦点距離 | 24 mm |