PHOTOS: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Recognizes Tropic Care Troops, Kauaʻi Health Director

Kapaʻa, HI — Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) was on Kauaʻi to recognize Tropic Care 2016 and the military physicians, nurses, dentists, and optometrists who provide the biennial project’s free health and wellness services to the community. For the past week, personnel from the Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force Reserve, Army National Guard, and U.S. Navy Reserve have been deployed to provide health and wellness services to the medically underserved rural communities of Kauaʻi.
 
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard also presented a Congressional Certificate to recognize the service of Dr. DileepBal, Kauai’s District Health Officer for the State Department of Health and a Special Advisor to the Director of the Department on Cancer, Chronic Disease, Tobacco, and Nutrition. Dr. Bal led and coordinated efforts to bring Tropic Care to Kauaʻi in 2012, 2014, and 2016, and he will be retiring on July 1, 2016.
 
“Mahalo nuiloa to all of the servicemembers who have worked tirelessly this month to deliver much needed services to the people who need them in communities across Kauaʻi,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard at the Troops Recognition Event.  “While we are sad to see Dr. DileepBal retire later this week, the work that he has done over the years to address the health and wellness needs of the people of Kauaʻi has laid a strong foundation for continued progress in the future.”
 
The photos below of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard recognizing the Tropic Care troops and honoring Dr. DileepBal are available here for download.

Tropic Care 2016 is being conducted on Kauaʻi between June 18, 2016 and June 30, 2016 and builds on the long-standing tradition of U.S. Armed Forces serving and participating in worthy civic and community health programs. Tropic Care is a Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training operation which provides military reservists with real world deployment training and medical support to underserved American populations located in remote areas throughout the United States and U.S. territories.