Kadena Airmen help Sri Lanka tsunami victims

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Val Gempis
  • Air Force Print News
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka --  Airman 1st Class Emily Starcher does not have to be reminded how important her mission is here in Sri Lanka -- she sees it everyday.

There is nothing but wrecked homes and destroyed buildings along coastal towns here, she said. Town after town was wiped away by the Dec. 26 tsunamis.

She is an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter flight engineer with the 33rd Rescue Squadron based at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and one of a group of Airmen from there hauling relief supplies to tsunami-stricken areas on board their six helicopters.

“It’s a tremendous feeling to know that we play a part in helping people put their lives back together here. I feel proud to be a part of this operation,” Airman Starcher said.

Airman Starcher, who is on her first deployment, said she was nervous and excited at the same time when she found out she was tapped to assist here.

She did not know what to expect, but said she quickly understood how much impact their work here has on the tsunami victims.

“It’s a great mission. We’re making a difference,” she said.

The Airmen pick up food, hygiene kits, water, plastic sheeting and medicine daily from various distribution points.

With the helicopters packed to the ceiling with goods, the crew leapfrogs from one location to another delivering the much-needed supplies to affected areas.

Although the people welcome the Airmen with open arms, operations at the landing zones can be hairy at times, they said.

“One of our biggest challenge here is safety,” said Tech. Sgt. Keith Kolb, an aerial gunner.

When aircraft arrive, excited and curious crowds would rush the helicopters to help the Airmen unload, he said.

Although the crew welcomes the extra hands, running towards a chopper while the rotor blades are spinning can be dangerous, Sergeant Kolb said.

To prevent injuries, the Airmen, with the help of Sri Lankan security, make sure the people do not approach until told to. They also use hand signals to let the people know when and where to go.

Cargo safety is also a concern here, the Airmen said. The team ensures the supplies are tied down and secured correctly inside the aircraft.

The Airmen said they are happy to be here and that the best part of their mission is interacting with the Sri Lankans.

The people are very friendly and will bend over backwards to help the Americans, they said.

“We get lots of 'thank yous' and smiles. You could see in their eyes how much they appreciate us being here,” Sergeant Kolb said.

During one of their delivery missions, Sergeant Kolb said he noticed a young boy circling outside the rotor pad. Worried about his safety, Sergeant Kolb approached him. The boy's eyes lit up as the Airman got closer.

The boy gave him a hug. He just wanted to thank the Airman. As the boy was leaving he kissed the back of the gunner's hand to show his appreciation for the efforts here.

“What we’re doing here has a direct positive effect on people’s lives. We’re very happy to help,” said Lt. Col. Billy Thompson, 33rd RQS commander.