Air Force Provides Humanitarian Aid to Russian Victims
By Master Sgt. Jon Hanson, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
VLADIKAVKAZ, Russia, Sept. 7, 2004 -- Two C-130 crews from the 38th Airlift
Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, flew medical and humanitarian supplies
here Sept 6.
The crews dropped off about 36,000 pounds of medical and humanitarian supplies
for use by relief agencies in the treatment and support of hundreds of victims
of the recent terrorist act in Beslan, Russia.
The Russian government requested assistance after the United States offered
support. The officials here said they appreciated the aid.
"I spoke to the Russian interpreter, and he was very thankful that we made the
journey over here," said Air Force Lt. Col. Richard L. Galante, 38th Airlift
Squadron commander, a reservist out of Youngstown, Ohio. "I could see some of
the other Russian officials were really teary-eyed and really appreciated the
support, … that we brought in these medical supplies and other equipment that
they need so badly."
"They said it was nice that our countries were in such community with one
another, … that we were living like brothers in the midst of tragedy," said Air
Force Staff Sgt. Clayton E. Bronnee, a Russian linguist with the 426th
Information Operations Squadron. "They said they felt very bad for us when 9/11
happened, and they appreciate our help and support now that this tragedy has
befallen them."
The humanitarian supplies included sheets, blankets, medicine, burn kits,
bandages and dressings, as well as specialized medical equipment.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Jon Hanson is assigned to the 435th Air Base Wing Public
Affairs Office.)
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