Fort Buchanan focuses on Safety to enable the warfighter

Photo By David Hernandez | Service members stationed at the U.S. Army’s home in the Caribbean, and various...... read more read more

Photo By David Hernandez | Service members stationed at the U.S. Army’s home in the Caribbean, and various directorates, participated in the Safety and Occupational Health Advisory Council (SOHAC) hosted by the Installation Safety Office at Building 390, March 28.  see less | View Image Page

PUERTO RICO

03.28.2025

Story by Carlos Cuebas and David Hernandez

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan

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FORT BUCHANAN, PUERTO RICO— Service members stationed at the U.S. Army’s home in the Caribbean, and various directorates, participated in the Safety and Occupational Health Advisory Council (SOHAC) hosted by the Installation Safety Office at Building 390, March 28.

Carlos J. Alvarado-Martinez, Fort Buchanan's safety and occupational health manager, highlighted the importance of the SOHAC as a critical tool for improving safety across the installation.

“SOHAC actively protects the community by identifying risks and communicating them to tenants and the Fort Buchanan community. We welcome concerns and suggestions for improving security measures and ensuring a safe environment for service members preparing for their missions,” Alvarado-Martinez said.

According to Army Regulation (AR) 385-10, titled “The Army Safety Program” the SOHAC’s primary role includes advises, reviews, promotes awareness, and facilitates communication to ensure the safety and health of personnel across the Army.

Alvarado-Martinez emphasized the importance of risk management in preventing accidents at the installation.

“Risk management is a constant and cyclical process. Based on the risk analysis, sometimes decisions are made according to the hierarchy of controls. The ideal situation is to eliminate the hazard," said Alvarado-Martinez.

During the SOHAC, a representative from Rodriguez Army Health Clinic discussed the required health assessments for employees and current health issues in the U.S. Army. The clinic representative also reminded attendees of the importance of hurricane preparedness and maintaining clean, organized workspaces to reduce risks.

Marcelo Cedeño, safety and occupational health specialist of 166th Regional Support Group, with over 8 years’ experience in the SOHAC, highlighted the meeting’s importance.

“This forum is essential to share safety concerns and solutions across military units, helping prevent accidents and improving safety measures. The transition of new soldiers into their roles can sometimes lack continuity without a proper handover. I actively mentor and coach these soldiers to help them understand safety protocols and their responsibilities," said Cedeño.

Col. John D. Samples, Fort Buchanan commanding officer, highlighted his focus on safety.

"Fort Buchanan is committed to ensuring the well-being of everyone in the community, including managing traffic through our chain of command to help mitigate accidents. The command group and I thank you for sharing your insights and for being here with us," said Samples.

By conducting the SOHAC, Fort Buchanan highlights the importance of mitigating risks and ensuring safety at Fort Buchanan, especially while warfighters train for their next mission.

For more information about Installation Safety Office and SOHAC contact Carlos J. Alvarado at carlos.j.alvaradomartinez.civ@army.mil or (787) 707-3853.

With an annual budget of over $500 million, Fort Buchanan serves a military community of approximately 15,000 active-duty Reserve, National Guard, Marine Corps Reserve, and Navy Reserve personnel. Fort Buchanan's mission is to serve as a readiness enhancement platform and facilitate the deployment of military personnel to any place at any time.