Wright-Patterson Airmen assist in Kyrgyzstan humanitarian aid mission

Published March 26, 2007
By Capt. Tim Wade
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan -- Airmen from the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing assisted with the delivery of humanitarian supplies from Slovakia to the Kyrgyz Republic here Thursday.

The supplies, which were donated over a year ago, were brought to the base via a C-17 Globemaster III from Ramstein, Germany.

The supplies were mounted on six pallets.

Reserve Airmen deployed to Manas Air Base from the 87th Aerial Port Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, assisted in the off-load of pallets, which totaled 22,000 pounds, and included items such as tents, blankets, stoves, heaters, gloves, masks, etc.

The items were loaded onto three two and a half ton trucks by around 25 Airmen. The supplies were taken to a Kyrgyz warehouse to be distributed.

"It was an opportunity for the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing to play a small role in getting the items to the Kyrgyz citizens," said Col. Jeff Barnson, 376th AEW vice commander. "We were honored to help our Kyrgyz brothers and sisters in need."