Heroes in Uniform: Texas State Guard Leads Operation Border Health Preparedness

Over the past week, we have been meticulously documenting the Texas State Guard’s (State Defense Force) instrumental role in Operation Border Health Preparedness (OBHP). This annual operation mobilizes an extensive network of healthcare professionals—ranging from doctors and nurses to Emergency Medical Technicians—drawn from the ranks of the State Guard. Their mission is to provide essential, cost-free medical services to the Texans most in need.

We have also highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Chilean Military. This collaboration underscores the significance of OBHP on a global scale and demonstrates the power of cross-border cooperation in tackling health care disparities.

Furthermore, we examined the sheer volume of patients that the Texas State Guard is able to cater to throughout the operation. Just at one facility soldiers cared for over 1,200 patients. This analysis provided a sobering perspective on the depth and breadth of healthcare need in these communities and emphasized the vital role that OBHP plays in addressing these needs. The Texas State Guard’s monumental task of caring for such a high number of patients is both a testament to their capability and a call for continued support and expansion of such life-changing operations.

One of the highlights of the OBHP was the event at PSJA Early College High School in San Juan. The school hosted Maj. Gen. Anthony Woods, the Texas State Guard Commander, and other representatives from participating agencies, organizations, as well as community leaders during a special VIP day. During this gathering, Maj. Gen. Woods visited the guardsmen actively providing services and support for the operation, and took to the podium as a guest speaker. His visit underscored the importance of the operation and served as a rallying cry to encourage and appreciate the efforts of all those involved.

These committed members of the Texas State Guard are the heroes of Operation Border Health Preparedness. Their selfless dedication and tireless efforts have significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals who would otherwise struggle to receive basic healthcare. The following images that follow will offer a glimpse into the noble work undertaken by these guardians of health, a testament to their heroism.

Maj. Gen. Anthony Woods, Texas State Guard Commander, visits guardsmen supporting and providing services at PSJA Early College High School in San Juan for Operation Border Health Preparedness (OBHP). The school also hosted a VIP day, inviting representatives from all participating agencies and organizations as well as community leaders. Maj. Gen. Woods was one of the guest speakers.

Led by the Texas Department of State Health Services, OBHP is a real-time, large-scale emergency preparedness exercise that provides disaster response and recovery training while addressing the medical needs of thousands of Texas residents through medical screenings, immunizations, hearing and vision exams, and dental services.

Texas State Guardsmen help provide vital medical services to the communities in Rio Grande City and Laredo during Operation Border Health Preparedness on Friday, July 28, 2023, as the exercise winds down following a very successful week at all the sites, including San Juan, Raymondville and Brownsville.

Led by the Texas Department of State Health Services, OBHP is a real-time, large-scale emergency preparedness exercise that provides disaster response and recovery training while addressing the medical needs of thousands of Texas residents through medical screenings, immunizations, hearing and vision exams, and dental services.

Source: Texas State Guard