By Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 1st Special Operations Wing
Public Affairs
BARBADOS (AFNS) --Aircrew members with the 15th Special
Operations Squadron deployed from Hurlburt Field, Florida, evacuated 19 medical
students from the island of Dominica Sept. 23, 2017, after it was devastated by
Hurricane Maria.
The Air Commandos flew through the night after being tasked
short notice, then volunteered again to rush to the aid of the students, one of
which was under medical observation for sudden health issues.
“That’s why we train, and that’s what we are here for,” said
Lt. Col. William Compton, mission commander for the deployment.
The aircrew was on the ground in Barbados, unloading crew
and gear for less than 20 minutes before taking off for the possible
life-saving mission.
“I was so thankful,” said Yaadveer Chahal, a resident of
Berkley, California who was bed ridden prior to the evacuation. “We were
extremely scared and not prepared for the worst. We were all crying and weren’t
even sure if anyone knew where we were. If it wasn’t for the prior military and
current service members who showed up and worked around the clock, we would
have been lost.”
The Ross University School of Medicine students described
being able to see looters from the airport as they awaited the aid after being
without basic amenities for days.
“Thank you so much,” said. “We are so relieved and thankful
for this.”
Gabrielle Robinson, a medical student was relieved and
thankful following the evacuation. All of the students spoke with exhaustion,
describing the conditions of the island as unlivable and a total loss. Their
first thoughts after landing were for a shower, food and a fresh change of
clothes.
“I’m beyond thankful to be part of this,” Master Sgt.
Michael Wilson, 15th SOS loadmaster. “This being my fourth humanitarian
deployment, I’ve seen how urgent help can be critical after seeing the devastation
of the hurricane season. This is the perfect time to put in to practice what we
train for.”
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