U.S. Army South trains Dominican soldiers in post-rescue trauma care

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic Army (ERD), in collaboration with the U.S. Army South Chaplaincy Directorate (USARSOUTH), conducted its first Traumatic Event Management (TEM) training at Military Camp 16 de Agosto. The initiative aimed to support soldiers’ mental and emotional health following high-stress operations.

The training focused on members of the Humanitarian and Rescue Unit (UHR), including those involved in the rescue efforts during the recent Jet Set Club roof collapse in Santo Domingo. Fourteen military chaplains, led by Senior Chaplain Father Alexis Devers Reyes, also took part in the program.

Held from May 20 to 22, the sessions introduced tools for processing trauma and fostering spiritual and emotional healing. The TEM model, originally developed after the September 11 attacks, served as the foundation for the program. The training concluded with group workshops designed to promote healing through open dialogue and shared reflection.