Operation Unified Response-providing direction, a place to rest

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Grannan
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  After a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti, last week, the U.S. military has been called upon to render much needed aid.

The two primary missions being performed by America's servicemembers are delivering aid and personnel, as well as bringing home U.S. citizens who were in the region when the earthquake struck.

In the last two days, more than 1,500 people have arrived here from Haiti as part of Operation Unified Response. The groups are comprised of repatriated American citizens and individuals holding foreign passports who sought refuge from the rubble and death that surrounds Haiti's capital city.

This multi-faceted operation's focal point is the evacuation in-processing center where incoming people are given some basic necessities and a chance to rest. Several military and civilian agencies have come together here to ease their transition back into the United States.

"We get about 20 - 30 minutes notice that another plane is going to land," said Maj. Larry Holbrook, 42nd Services Squadron commander and site commander for evacuation in-processing. "The planes typically carry between 30 and 70 people who we need to process and help."

Evacuees are brought to Homestead on C-130 aircraft several times each day. Following their arrival, they're bussed to the base fitness center where they're processed through customs and immigration.

The American Red Cross, military medical personnel and the Florida Department of Children and Family Services are working together in supporting relief efforts at the center.

The Red Cross provides some basic essentials such as snacks, water, diapers and baby formula. Up to 12 volunteers and two paid staff members are working at the center at all times, said Jesika Davis, the South Dade Branch Manager and Service to the Armed Forces regional director. The Red Cross also operates a station close to the flight line for aircrew members who are transporting evacuees.

Once evacuees have cleared customs, the Florida Department of Children and Family Services arranges transportation to the Miami International Airport for everyone. It is there they can be picked up by family members or depart for another destination.

Medical personnel are also on hand to provide first aid to those who have fled Haiti for the United States.

"We're here to provide basic care and to determine if anyone coming in needs to be transported to a medical facility," said Staff Sgt. Orlando Menendez, 42nd Medical Squadron medical technician.

In addition to requiring a large number of personnel and materials, the 24-hour relief operation requires understanding and compassion.

"Many of the people who come through here have lost everything," said Major Holbrook. "They have nothing but what they're carrying and just want to go home so we try to help them as much as we can."

(Airman Grannan is a deployed member of the 55th Wing Public Affairs office.)