On 26 December, 2004, with an epicenter off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, an earthquake rocked the world. The earthquake triggered a series of devastating tsunamis along the coasts of most landmasses bordering the Indian Ocean, killing large numbers of people and inundating coastal communities across South and Southeast Asia, including parts of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. Recent analysis compiled by the United Nations lists a total of 229,866 people lost, including 186,983 dead and 42,883 missing. A call came from Sri Lanka and OBI responded with humanitarian efforts dedicated to rebuilding homes within the military community. With OBI boots on the ground, we were able to gauge additional requirements and respond to those as well.

Since then, OBI has become a valuable partner to the military community at large within and throughout Sri Lanka as homes and families were built or rebuilt through the generous support of donors and the selfless service of volunteers who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their counterparts. Owing to the responsiveness of providing education, training, and tangible medical supplies, OBI’s credibility has increased throughout the country and the region.