by Master Sgt. Orville F. Desjarlais Jr.
photos by Master Sgt. Val Gempis
Members of the 33rd Rescue Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, played a
small but vital part in Operation Unified Assistance, but it left a lasting
impression.
With their six HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters, the squadron helped transport 4,000 tons of supplies to coastal communities wiped out by a tsunami the day after Christmas.
In Indonesia, emergency relief efforts slowly transformed into long-term reconstruction. Although some military organizations will remain to provide support during the transition, many — including the 33rd Rescue Squadron — departed, having fulfilled its mission.
“ I am humbled to have had the skills that helped the survivors of this disaster,” said Col. Mark Schissler, 374th Air Expeditionary Wing commander while deployed to Thailand. “I’ve used my skills in combat and in peace. There’s a definite sense of personal satisfaction when you know your mission has been completed and it has helped someone you never met.
“ That’s what makes America great,” the colonel said. “We are a rich
nation with much to give, and we’ll give it to anyone who needs it —
regardless of their beliefs or religion.”
Original story found at http://www.af.mil/news/airman/0405/mercy.shtml in the Airman Magazine.