Afghanistan evac operations: Airmen experiences
"I just imagine if I were in their situation, how would l want to be treated? How would my Mom want to be treated? My shop is out here supporting this mission, we volunteered as a unit. We have reprioritized everything except the essential things, to be here and support where we can. It's rewarding and exhausting, but it makes me thankful for what I have, and hearing their stories makes me want to do anything that I can. One day I was playing catch with a little girl, and while we were playing, she wanted to show me something. She pulled up her sleeve and showed me a large scar that took up most of her arm. She told me her school had been bombed. It was heartbreaking. There are so many other stories. I just think if I were ever in this situation with my daughter, I would want someone to take time out and listen to me. I would want someone to be kind to me. My Mom was a refugee back in Vietnam- Vietcong. Growing up and hearing her stories of living her childhood in prison with my Grandfather, is a big part of why I am here every day, through the exhaustion, frustration, and heartbreak. I want to be here. I’m happy to be here," said Staff Sgt. Xena Hoye, 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)