Airlifters team up for labor (day) of love

  • Published
  • By Gene H. Hughes and Capt. Wayne Capps
  • 908th and 315th Airlift Wings
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  While most Americans were enjoying a long, relaxing Labor Day weekend with friends and family, members of the Air Force Reserve Command airlift community were teaming up to bring much-needed relief to orphans in the Central American nation of Honduras.

Reservists from the 315th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Charleston, S.C., and the 908th Airlift Wing, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., spent the weekend loading and delivering the humanitarian cargo, made possible by the Denton Amendment.

Under the amendment, named for its sponsor, Alabama Senator Jeremiah Denton,
donated humanitarian aid, in this case approximately 12,000 pounds of clothing and school supplies, is allowed to fly on U.S. Air Force assets on a space-available basis.

"It is rewarding to use our talents and skills for these humanitarian missions," said Maj. Robert McGrath, aircraft commander 701st Airlift Squadron at JBC. "Flying airplanes for a living is rewarding and using our abilities to help orphans in Honduras is gratifying."

McGrath said these flights area win-win situation for the Airmen, because not only do humanitarian supplies get delivered, but valuable training takes place as well. And both AFRC units used the time to good advantage.

The cargo, consisting of clothing and school supplies from Family Life Missions in Starkville, Miss., was delivered by truck to Maxwell, where it was unloaded and palletized by Airmen of the 908th's 25 Aerial Port Squadron, three fresh from tech school.

For Airmen Heath Ezelle, Melissa Erickson and Tyler Cancel, just beginning seasoning training, the day was one of several firsts. According to Chief Master Sgt. Harold Whited, it was their first time marshaling a forklift and loading a K-loader. It was also the first time any of three had ever seen the C-17 Globemaster III, a frequent visitor to Maxwell.

"This is the best training they get, hands on training with one-on-one instruction," Whited said. "We try to put them in situations where they must think and react on their own, instilling in them the confidence and ability to do the job. When you bestow ownership in the process they will and do become better 'Port Dawgs' and have the ability to perform."

Under Chief Whited's supervision, the three Airmen, alongside Master Sgt. David Greer and Staff Sgt. Antoine Armor, loaded the pallets aboard the K-Loader, transported them to the flightline, where the 315th would pick up the cargo.

The Airmen relished in the opportunity for the real-world experience.

"One-on-one training helps me get the knowledge from my Senior NCOs on how to do the job," said Airman Cancel. "The NCOs have knowledge and experience that they pass down to me and other Airman to set us up for success in our career field. They let me know of past mistakes so I don't make the same ones."

"The instruction we received while on the flight line from various personnel was greatly appreciated," agreed Airmen Ezelle. They give you all the information you need to accomplish the mission. They also made me understand the importance of safety, as well as the importance of communication.

Once the Globemaster landed, the 315th-908th team worked together seamlessly, loading the five pallets in short order. Before departing for Honduras, where the supplies would eventually be delivered to the children's home Por Los Niños in Catacamas and surrounding villages, members of the aircrew took time to share their knowledge and experience with the eager, young aerial porters.

The 908th-315th team is no stranger to humanitarian airlift. In the past, the two wings have delivered several tons of cargo to several countries, including Nicaragua, Columbia, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Panama

"These types of humanitarian missions show the true spirit of the American people, allowing us the opportunity to help other countries in need," said Tech. Sgt. Rick Higuera, loadmaster 701st AS JBC. "It shows people in other countries who we really are, a caring and loving country."

The 908th's new Airmen agreed completely.

"This was my first mission in my Air Force career," said Airman Erickson. "I am sure I will never forget being a part of this mission. I am a big believer in helping others less fortunate than myself, and being part of an institution such as the USAF which helps others in need makes me very proud to wear the uniform."