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AUAB provides humanitarian aid to Iraq

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Colin Cates
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar- --  The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and its Joint Forces partners provided humanitarian aid by air dropping pallets of food and water to displaced citizens in the vicinity of Sinjar, Iraq, Aug. 8-14.

C-17 Globemaster IIIs and C-130 Hercules dropped more than 114,000 meals and 35,000 gallons of water in support of this effort. Crews worked 24/7 to complete over 100 pallets a day to maintain the flow of aid.

"We have talented, motivated personnel ready for the challenge and the opportunity to put their skills to use," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Schwarz, 11th Quartermaster Company Detachment 1 air drop system technician. "Our Riggers get great satisfaction out of being able to aid those who are in need, but at the end of the day, war is our profession and being ready to assist when called upon is our business."

With such a large tasking ahead of the riggers to help the Iraqis, it was going to take a base-wide effort to complete all that was needed and that is exactly what happened.

"Well I thought it was awesome that the Air Force and Army could team up and work together for a good cause," said Senior Airman William Williams, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron sheet metal journeyman. "I was right on it from day one, and I figured people need help so if I can do something about it I will be there. This is my first time working with another branch and it has been a cool experience."

When an unfortunate situation like this happens, responding quickly is vital to making the greatest impact.

"It was a tough start for us at first, but we have received tremendous support from the 379th Wing and along with the Air Force and fellow Army soldiers," said Schwarz. "We are now producing over what was asked of us to produce a day, and that is a huge part due to the necessary resources made readily available quickly by leadership."

The process of completing the pallets was broken down into sections, and the Army riggers were the final check before the pallets were loaded for transport.

"The number of volunteers has made a big difference," said U.S. Army Specialist Virgie Merzier, 11th Quartermaster Company Detachment 1 parachute rigger. "It is unfortunate that this happened to these people, but we are glad to help out and come in a time of need to support them."

Members of AUAB have helped to make a difference for the people affected by fighting in northern Iraq, and they've shown AUAB is ready to support -humanitarian relief efforts anytime, anyplace, at a moment's notice.

"I think this has been a great experience, volunteers were needed, and an overwhelming support has been provided by them giving of their time to this humanitarian aid," said Schwarz. "People understood that what they were doing in our shop that day was contributing to save lives by feeding and helping people in Iraq."