Afghanistan evac operations: Airmen experiences
“My faith tells me to care, and that is why I am here every day because I care for these people and their situation. When you’re suddenly faced with scared, hungry people who just have the clothes on their back, it gives everything a whole new perspective. People came out of the woodwork to help in any way they can. People, here and stateside, have been pouring in to see how they support and how they can donate. This is just another example of how Americans come together in a crisis. It’s been a lot to process, but what’s kept me going is watching our Airmen. To see them give up their personal time, their money, their time off, even the clothes out of their closet because they want to help. Watching that there’s a reason why we’re the greatest Air Force in the world: it’s because of our Airmen.” – Chaplain (Capt.) Travis Ferguson, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. Service members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, as well as other supporting agencies are working 24/7 to support ongoing evacuation operations out of Afghanistan Aug. 22, 2021, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. As part of the operation, thousands of qualified evacuees continue to arrive here from Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, on board multiple military aircraft. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the evacuation of American citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk individuals from Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandria Lee)