RESERVE — Every so often, U.S. military personnel have to do training exercises to reach their quota for service hours.

Every once in a while, the public gets to benefit.

The U.S. Department of Defense, in partnership with the Delta Regional Authority, will hold Louisiana Care Innovative Readiness Training from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12-21 at East St. John High School.

This clinic will provide free medical, dental and vision care to area residents in need of care, including the uninsured and underinsured. No identification or proof of insurance is required. All are welcome.

“This is the first time we’ve ever hosted anything like this,” said Rhonda Lemons, director of St. John the Baptist Parish health and human services. “It’s a great opportunity for the residents of our community to receive health care, dental care, physicals, eyeglasses — all free of charge. Anyone can come.”

The Innovative Readiness Training Program is a volunteer training opportunity for military personnel to help them prepare in the areas of engineering, health care and transportation skills.

By holding these training exercises in communities, residents get to reap the benefits.

The clinic at East St. John High will offer basic medical and wellness exams, sports physicals for students and dental exams, including fillings and tooth extractions (but no cleaning) at no charge.

Vision exams will be available with glasses made on site at no charge.

More than 100 people will be participating in the exercise, with five dentists, two optometrists and dozens of doctors and nurses.

Similar clinics will be held in Napoleonville and Amite.

St. John the Baptist Parish Schools Superintendent Kevin George said he jumped at the chance to work with the military to benefit the community.

“Being ex-military myself and my son being in the military now, I know when they say it’s going to be squared up, it’s going to be squared up,” George said. “Of course we wanted to be good partners to bring these services to our community.”

St. John Parish residents should expect to see military personnel as the first wave of support prepare the site at East St. John High.

Beginning July 12, patients will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Anyone wishing to volunteer may call Angela Aubert with Health and Human Services at 985-536-4955, ext. 1233, between 1 and 4 p.m.  Volunteers will have to undergo a background check.

Those with questions regarding patient services may call Michelle Thomas at 985-536-4955, ext. 1231, between 1 and 4 p.m.