Meet COL Castillo

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Spc. Megan Koszarek, an infantryman with the Alaska Army National Guard’s Avalanche Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, conducts a security sweep during a training exercise near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 3, 2022. The exercise's aim was to enhance the unit’s combat readiness and evaluate proficiency in an arctic environment.

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Colombian Air Force KFIRs and the U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the South Carolina Air National Guard, 157th Fighter Squadron, fly in formation during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Aug. 30, 2022. South Carolina is Colombia’s partner in the State Partnership Program.

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October 11, 2022 — ROCHESTER, N.Y. – New York Army National Guard Soldiers completed their Florida mission helping... MORE

Civilian search and rescue personnel on a CH-47F Chinook helicopter operated by New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, head to a mission on Sanibel Island, Florida, Oct. 2, 2022. At the direction of Gov. Kathy Hochul, the New York National Guard deployed two Chinook helicopters and 11 Soldiers to help the Florida National Guard respond to the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian.

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Members of the 202nd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers (RED HORSE) Squadron, Florida Air National Guard, clear roads of Hurricane Ian debris in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, Oct. 1, 2022. The 202nd RED HORSE Squadron, stationed at Camp Blanding, Florida, is a specialized, highly mobile civil engineering team of Florida Air National Guard members.

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The Virginia National Guard staged eight Soldiers and four tactical trucks capable of high water transportation on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and 12 Soldiers and six trucks at readiness centers in the Hampton Roads area Oct. 3. The Guard was prepared to respond to potential severe weather if needed.

Virginia National Guard Prepared for Hurricane Response
September 30, 2022 — RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia National Guard staged about 60 Soldiers and Airmen across the... MORE

Virginia National Guard Soldiers prepare for possible severe weather from Hurricane Ian Sept. 30, 2022, in Powhatan, Virginia. Soldiers assigned to the 180th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group, were prepared to provide high mobility transport and clear debris if needed.

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September 30, 2022 — PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana National Guard is supporting the response to Hurricane Ian in Florida... MORE

Nearly 60 Louisiana National Guardsmen assigned to the 1087th Transportation Company, 165th Combat Sustainment and Support Brigade, 139th Regional Support Group, prepare tactical vehicles to assist emergency operations in Florida after Hurricane Ian, Slidell, Louisiana, Sept. 29, 2022.

Thousands of Guardsmen Supporting Hurricane Ian Response
September 29, 2022 — ARLINGTON, Va. – More than 5,000 National Guardsmen from multiple states are positioned across... MORE

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Florida National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive - Enhanced Response Force Package load supplies as part of their response to Hurricane Ian, Sarasota, Fla., Sept. 29, 2022. Soldiers and Airmen were joined by emergency responders from other states as they mobilized to support the local community.

National Guard Staged for Florida Hurricane Response
September 28, 2022 — ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Some 5,000 Florida National Guard troops were ready Wednesday to help... MORE

Florida National Guard Army Pfc. Kenneth Bonn, a combat engineer with the 753rd Engineering Brigade, inspects a search and rescue vessel during Hurricane Ian state activation, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., Sept. 27, 2022. Bonn is part of the Florida National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) - Enhanced Response Force Package (FL-CERFP).

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Meet COL Castillo

Irwin Army Community Hospital

July 1, 2024 | 10:01

From a young age, COL Laudino Castillo, was deeply moved by a personal experience that set the course for his future. At just 7-8 years old, witnessing a doctor save his mother's life during a critical moment inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. This profound event planted the seed for his lifelong commitment to healthcare and service.

Path to the Army:
COL Castillo's journey into the Army was driven by a desire to be part of a significant organization and to make a meaningful difference. The Army not only provided him the opportunity to pursue his education, covering the costs from his bachelor's degree through medical school, but also allowed him to serve in various roles, developing his skills as an officer, professional, and physician.

Deployment to Afghanistan:
A pivotal moment in COL Castillo's career was his deployment to Afghanistan. Initially daunting, this experience solidified his dedication to the Army. Leading a team of 25 medics and being the sole doctor in Northeast Afghanistan, he faced challenging situations that underscored the importance of teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership. His deployment emphasized the value of providing excellent care to Soldiers, which reinforced his commitment to the Army and its mission.

Leadership Philosophy:
As the new commander of Irwin Army Community Hospital, COL Castillo emphasizes three core principles:

1. People-Centric Leadership: Ensuring the well-being of staff and patients is paramount. He believes in taking care of people, making them feel valued and part of the team.

2. Accountability and Growth: He stresses the importance of accountability to drive progress and sustainability, with a focus on constructive development.

3. Inspiration and Motivation: By motivating and inspiring his team, he aims to foster a positive and productive environment where everyone feels their contributions are vital.

Expectations and Vision:
COL Castillo's expectations are rooted in respect, dignity, and exceptional care. He envisions a healthcare facility where staff treat each other and their patients with utmost respect, ensuring the best possible service. His goal is to make Irwin Army Community Hospital the preferred healthcare provider, known for its compassionate and comprehensive care.

Patient Care Approach:
Treating patients like family is at the heart of COL Castillo's approach. He believes in building rapport through empathy and connection, ensuring every patient feels understood and valued. This philosophy extends to every interaction, from a warm greeting to thorough, personalized care, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all.

Music by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.