Patrolling the Canary Islands, serving Spain

Since the beginning of the State of Alarm, on the 15th of March, there have been many soldiers who have been involved in Operation ‘Balmis’, carried out by the Armed Forces in support of the fight against Covid-19.

Private Mendoza, posted with the 50th ‘Canary Islands’ Infantry Regiment, from the 16th Brigade, is experiencing first hand the work which the Army is carrying out in the streets to protect the safety of the civilian population.

His patrol, on the island of Gran Canaria, supports state Law Enforcement so that citizens stay at home. “Generally, people are very aware, but there are always cases in which you have to warn against non-compliance,” he explains. He also recognises that sometimes it is necessary to inform the public, particularly older people, and advise them to go out shopping only when essential or, as a last resort, to ask for help to avoid having to go out into the street.

He knows his work these days is absolutely essential, given the situation that the country is living through, although managing his personal life whilst also complying with his obligations is difficult. The soldier has a son who is only 14 months old and both him and his partner have to balance their professional responsibilities very carefully in order to look after him. “When she is working, I look after him, and vice versa. Because of this, our lives have changed and we hardly ever see each other,” he states.

This is part of the effort that many soldiers such as him have to carry out at the moment. However, Private Mendoza, who has been in the Army for 11 years, is aware of his responsibility and that he must always be where Spain needs him. “Foreign operations are fulfilling, but being here is doubly rewarding because you’re at home and it is your country that needs you,” affirms the soldier who returned from his mission in Mali a few months ago.

From his perspective, the most important thing at the moment is to fulfil all the tasks which he is assigned, and even try to go beyond that to give even more, though doing this requires a huge personal effort. “If I didn’t do this, I would be betraying my country when it needs me most, he concludes.