Joy Binns-Grayton: It is an emotional moment to work with Jamaicans. - Contributed

She did not have to be here but Joy Binns-Grayton, a sergeant first class (SFC) in the United States (US) army, volunteered to be part of a massive, multimillion-dollar humanitarian mission that is well under way on the island she once called home.

Before volunteering for her current assignment in Jamaica she was in the reserve unit of the national guard in Washington, DC. Prior to that, she was stationed at Fort Myers in Virginia.

When faced with the opportunity to help her countrymen, she could not pass by on the other side. The good Jamerican became the good Samaritan, who could not turn down the chance to give back to her homeland.

Binns-Grayton was born and raised in Jamaica. She grew up in the Kingston 13 area. She migrated to North America some 30 years ago. Now she is a non-commissioned officer in the US army.

Humanitarian effort

The Norman Manley High School graduate told The Gleaner that even though she tries to visit the island once per year, participating in the current humanitarian effort takes her to an emotional space.

"It is an emotional moment because in a sense I get to work with citizens of Jamaica and it just brings me back."

She added: "I volunteered for this project and it means a lot to me to come back and help out."

Before enlisting, Binns-Grayton had career dreams of runways, not rifles. "At first I wanted to be a model," said the soldier, who still strikes a dashing pose.

More than a quarter century after joining the military in 1983, the 49-year-old has no regrets of choosing a machine gun and army boots over make-up and stilettos.

"After joining the military, I had a change of mind. I enjoyed the vigorous training," said Binns-Grayton, who was a girl scout in Jamaica before migrating. Her favourite weapon is the M-16, the first gun she ever fired.

Active duty

Binns-Grayton, who has given eight years in active duty and 16 years as a reserve, does not plan to leave the army anytime soon.

"I think I'll stay with the military until they decide to put me out," she said with a chuckle.

The Jamaica-born soldier has successfully climbed the academic ladder, holding a first degree from the University of the District of Columbia and a postgraduate degree from Michigan University.

Almost 200 US soldiers from that country's army, navy, air force and marine corps have been deployed for the humanitarian mission called Beyond the Horizon. The exercise will include the staging of health fairs as well as construction and renovation jobs at health facilities and schools in selected parishes.

The expansive humanitarian battle, which also involves the health ministry and other government agencies, will cost approximately US$720,000 (J$63.4 million) and is expected to be completed in two months. The US Army Southern Command is funding the entire project.

Among the projects are a new building and renovations at a clinic in Portmore, St Catherine; renovation of the Yallahs Health Centre in St Thomas; and medical fairs in St James, St Ann and St Thomas.

tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.