Page 9 - Desert Lightning News, So. AZ Edition, Oct. 6 2017

Desert Lightning News October 2017 9 www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb
by Tech. Sgt. SHAWN NICKEL
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
BARBADOS — Aircrew mem- bers with the 15th Special Op- erations Squadron deployed from Hurlburt Field, Florida, evacuated 19 medical students from the is- land of Dominica Sept. 23, 2017, after it was devastated by Hur- ricane Maria.
The Air Commandos flew through the night after being tasked on short notice, then vol- unteered again to rush to the aid of the students, one of whom was under medical observation for sud- den health issues.
“That’s why we train, and that’s what we are here for,” said Lt. Col. William Compton, mission com- mander for the deployment.
The aircrew was on the ground in Barbados, unloading crew and gear for less than 20 minutes before taking off for the possible life-saving mission.
“I was so thankful,” said Yaad- veer Chahal, a resident of Berkley, California who was bed ridden prior to the evacuation. “We were extremely scared and not prepared
for the worst. We were all crying and weren’t even sure if anyone knew where we were. If it wasn’t for the prior military and current service members who showed up and worked around the clock, we would have been lost.”
The Ross University School of Medicine students described being able to see looters from the airport as they awaited the aid after being without basic amenities for days.
“Thank you so much,” said. “We are so relieved and thankful for this.”
Gabrielle Robinson, a medical student was relieved and thankful following the evacuation. All of the students spoke with exhaustion, describing the conditions of the is- land as unlivable and a total loss. Their first thoughts after landing were for a shower, food and a fresh change of clothes.
“I’m beyond thankful to be part of this,” Master Sgt. Michael Wil- son, 15th SOS loadmaster. “This being my fourth humanitarian deployment, I’ve seen how urgent help can be critical after seeing the devastation of the hurricane sea- son. This is the perfect time to put in to practice what we train for.”
U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel
Air Commandos deployed from Hurlburt Field, Fla., prepare to take off from the island of Domi- nica Sept. 23, 2017, after it was devastated by Hurricane Maria. Air Commandos flew through the night after being tasked on short notice, then volunteered again to rush to the aid of 19 students from the Ross University School of Medicine, one of whom was under medical observation for sudden health issues.
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15th SOS evacuates med students after hurricane
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