At 55th Jungle Battalion Putumayo:

USMILGROUP Inaugurates Infrastructure Project Valued at $950,000

February 3, 2010

Col. Angel Fernando Proano and Col. Gaddis inaugurate the facilities

The U.S. Milgroup inaugurated an infrastructure project valued at $950,000 in the Northern Border area of Ecuador.  The project included the construction of barrack, the acquisition and installation of a generator, maintenance of the water system and pumps, the construction of an advance refueling station for helicopters and boats, and the construction of a floating dock, a ramp, and hangar.  The 55th Jungle Battalion “Putumayo”  carries out anti-drug operations.  The infrastructure project supports the Ecuadorian government and armed forces’ fight against the trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances by illegal armed groups. 

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Historic Ecuadorian Documents Restored with U.S. Financing

January 29, 2010

Father Federico Sanfeliú, Ambassador Hodges, and Nelly Peralta during the ceremony

In a ceremony at the magnificent “Compañía de Jesus” church in downtown Quito, Ambassador Heather Hodges officially inaugurated the exhibit containing four historic documents restored by Ecuadorian professionals from “Papirus Estudio” led by Nelly Peralta and Paulina Moreno.  The total cost of the project was $4,400, which was financed with funds from the United States Government. The four restored documents are:  two manuscripts with the lyrics of the national anthem written in 1865; the musical score of the national anthem written by Antonio Neumane at the end of the 19th century; and a map of the Province of Quito also from the 19th century.

Training in Explosives Detection for Canines and Their Handlers

January 26, 2010

Lt. Col. Paul Lemke

A series of training courses for K-9 units (both dogs and their handlers) concluded on January 26, with a graduation ceremony that took place at the Batallón Escuela Policia Militar Ministerial in Quito.  Training started as a result of a request from the Ecuadorian military  to the U.S. Embassy Quito's Military Group to "modernize" the training and handling of K-9 units. The training consisted of eight three-week courses on explosives detection for the dogs and their handlers, and three two-week refresher courses on advanced tactics and an assessment for the dogs and their handlers.  The units will be used on the northern border to counter weapons smuggling by narco-terrorist groups. (photo gallery)

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Call for third- year university students:

"Study of U.S." Program for University Leaders from Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela

December 17, 2009

For the second year in a row the U.S.  Embassy announces the competition for young university leaders, preferably from minority groups, that are currently up to third year of university studies.  Interested students can learn more about the program and request the aplication form by sending an email to contactocultural@state.gov  .  Application and supporting documentation should be sent in a sealed envelope before Friday, February 19, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.to the U.S. Embassy (Guayacanes N52-205), attention: Elisabeth Serrano, Cultural Affairs Office.