(AUSTIN) -- Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, today (Tuesday) announced that 2007 Operation Lone Star, an annual joint effort of the Texas Military Forces, Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Health and Human Services Commission and volunteers, will provide free dental and medical services to Laredo for the first time in Lone Star's nine years of operation. Operation Lone Star has provided essential medical services to under-served communities in South Texas since 1999 while also providing Emergency Preparedness training for state military services.

In 2001 Senator Zaffirini wrote to Texas Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Daniel James III to recommend the creation of a division of state military medical forces that are able to respond to medical emergencies and catastrophic events. In 2003 the Texas Medical Rangers were born based on this significant recommendation. The Texas Medical Rangers respond to Texas public health emergencies and provides significant support each year to Operation Lone Star.

"It is my pleasure to welcome the outstanding partnership of state health service officials and Texas military service personnel that annually brings Operation Lone Star to South Texas and this year to Laredo," Senator Zaffirini said. "For the last eight years, Operation Lone Star has saved lives by providing free health services, including basic medical and dental treatments for thousands of children and families in South Texas. I especially am delighted that the ninth year of Operation Lone Star will provide these lifesaving and life-changing services to families in Laredo."

This year's Operation Lone Star locations include Vela Middle School, Brownsville; Raymondville High School, Raymondville; PSJA High School South, San Juan; and Chapa Elementary School, Mission. Services will be provided at these locations from July 23 to July 27.

From July 30 to August 3, Operation Lone Star will provide services at the Laredo Civic Center, Laredo; Ringgold Middle School, Rio Grande City; and Zapata Middle School.

Services include general medical care, adult dental care, sports physicals, immunizations, diabetic screening, high blood pressure screening and pharmacy services. Dental services also will be offered at the Laredo Civic Center, Vela Middle School, Chapa Elementary School, Ringgold Middle School and Zapata Middle School.

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