AFRC steps forward to help hurricane victims

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ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) --  From coast to coast, people assigned to and associated with Air Force Reserve Command are stepping forward to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Pararescuemen, aeromedical caregivers, airlift crews, aerial porters and reservists from dozens of other specialties have logged hundreds of missions, shuttled thousands of passengers and patients, and delivered tons of supplies and equipment since the hurricane hit Aug. 29.

"I'm amazed, no, I'm more than amazed at what our people have been able to do for their fellow Americans," said Maj. Gen. David E. Tanzi, AFRC vice commander. "We knew all along our people could do this. I'm so proud of them. This is what America is all about."

Reservists from Florida, Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Washington and dozens of other states called their units to volunteer, and individual mobilization augmentees went to their administrators to sign up to help.

And for every reservist participating in the relief effort, a family member, retiree or friend has donated his or her time, money or blood.

"Now is not the time to wring one's hands and wonder what to do," General Tanzi said. "People can roll up their sleeves or write a check. We should all do something to ease the suffering during this national emergency."

Besides giving to national relief agencies such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, people can volunteer to join efforts in Louisiana and Mississippi or stay at home to sort and package goods to be delivered to victims.

Many families near military bases have even opened their homes to displaced Airmen and their families.

As a volunteer firefighter, Master Sgt. John Hunt of AFRC headquarters here, spent Labor Day delivering food and water to storm victims along the Mississippi coast.

"People want to help, but they need to donate items that can be used right away," he said. "Properly packaged food and bottled water are among the things that could be used by the people we saw. They also needed diapers and baby formula." (Courtesy of AFRC News Service)