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Grissom reservists lend a helping hand with Haitian hunger relief

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jami Lancette
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Not only does the 434th Air Refueling Wing fuel a major machine of war but it also fuels a machine of compassion and humanitarian relief to those in need.

Reservists from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. stepped up to help extinguish hunger to those in need thousands of miles away by delivering over 43,000 pounds of food to over 8,500 people in Haiti from Grissom Sept. 12.

"It's a wonderful vehicle that pays off in more than one way," said Master Sgt. Bradley Frank, 49th Aerial Port Flight, aerial port journeyman. "Airman get training and those in need are getting the supplies they need; it's going to a good cause."

The work was done under the Denton Program, a part of a Department of Defense humanitarian assistance transportation program, which provides continual transportation of supplies such as agricultural equipment, clothing, educational supplies, food and medical supplies to countries in need of assistance.

With all hands on deck, everything was put into place, palletized and ready for the flight to help neighbors in need.

"People enjoy the mission, they get a sense of motivation, putting together the cargo and the end product is helping others," said Master Sgt. Laurie Latchaw, 49th APF deputy superintendent.

As supply and demand comes in, Grissom becomes a helping hand in delivering and completing the mission as asked, without hesitation.

"I hope we are able to continue to do this for years to come," added Frank. "It's nice they're using Grissom, because we are a strategic and valuable location for missions like these."

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135 Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command.  Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the globe in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer