732d Airlift Squadron delivers supplies,

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna Jeffries
  • 514 AMW public affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE DIX LAKEHURST --  Reserve aircrews from the 732d Airlift Squadron out of New Jersey recently delivered seven pallets of goods destined for an American mission in Haiti.
While the initial outpour of donations to the country has trickled down since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit in 2010, essential supplies still arrive weekly primarily on board military aircraft using the Denton Program, named for U.S. Senator Jeremiah A. Denton.
The Denton Program allows private U.S. citizens and organizations to use space available on U.S. military cargo planes to transport humanitarian goods to countries in need. Cargo is moved through the Defense Travel System (DTS) on a space-available basis by air, surface, sea or an intermodal combination.
     On average the unit, flying the C-17 Globemaster III, accomplishes a humanitarian aid mission once a quarter said Lt. Col. Josiah W. Crane III, 514th Operation Support Squadron, chief of C-17 current operations.  In the past unit members have flown a mobile dental clinic, buses and fencing supplies in addition to food, hygiene items and clothes.
     Chief Master Sgt. Juan Claudio said he enjoys these trips. The seasoned loadmaster has on and offloaded thousands of pounds of cargo during his 34 years of service and finds these trips most satisfying because of the humanitarian aspect.  A native of Puerto Rico, Claudio said he's seen how islands can benefit from U.S. assistance. 
     Appreciation is shown on the receiving end of the mission as well.
     "A lot of people are starving and mostly food, clothes and shoes are really needed," said the airport operations supervisor who oversaw the off-load process.
     Donations are vital, according to non-profit organizations that are helping the Haitians to recover and rebuild from the devastating natural catastrophe. An estimated 300,000 lives were lost, 1.5 million people were displaced and 1 million children were orphaned.
     "We couldn't exist without them," said Jason Carroll an American missionary with Children's Lifeline Foundation who was on hand to assist in transporting the shipment of goods to a village located an hour away.
     "The town is near the base of a mountain and residents have no electricity or running water," he said.
     Carroll and his family have been in Haiti since September and plan to stay for a while. "We have schools and are trying to ensure the kids receive an education and proper food," he said.
     The missionary volunteers are also figuring out ways to create jobs and have an agricultural program that teaches village residents how to sustain themselves.
Continued assistance through the Denton Program and the military flights like the 732d AS performed will ensure the people of Haiti receive help as long as needed.