Team McConnell helps Haiti

by Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

8/1/2012 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Members of the 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron gathered and prepared cargo to help orphanages in Haiti July 26, 2012.

The team constructed several pallets of cargo for airlift from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.

The experience of helping with the relief mission was gratifying for those involved in the effort.

"Instead of the everyday military mission, taking part in a humanitarian mission is very rewarding and fulfilling," said Staff Sergeant Kris Aguila, 22nd LRS Air Terminal operations NCO in charge. "We're very proud to be able to help personally."

Airmen made several pallets which included rice, beans, shoes and other basic supplies. Shipments are usually made once a year to Haiti since the devastating 2010 earthquake, but this is second load in 2012 thanks to a greater amount of donated materials.

"We're part of the bridge they use to get the supplies out," said Aguila. "A lot of the stuff we send is used to build up their homes and their lives."

The knowledge that the supplies sent to Haiti will be used to benefit children was especially gratifying to members of the 22nd LRS.

"Knowing children will have bikes, shoes and other things that people here take for granted is great," said Staff Sgt. Victoria Mastey, 22nd LRS Passenger Terminal NCO in charge. "As members of Team McConnell we're glad to have helped improve peoples' lives."

Once all of the supplies are loaded onto the pallets, all 13 pallets of cargo will be airlifted by a C-5 Galaxy to Haiti.