U.S. European Command Delivers Aid to Beslan Victims
American Forces Press Service
STUTTGART, GERMANY, Sept. 8, 2004 -- A U.S. Air Force C-130 loaded with more
than 10 tons of medical supplies arrived in Vladikavkaz, Russia, today as part
of the humanitarian response to the recent terrorist acts at a school in
Beslan.
The delivery of surgical supplies and burn-dressing kits, designed to support
500 trauma cases, were released to Russian Ministry of Health officials from
United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot stocks in
Brindisi, Italy.
The drugs and equipment delivered today, valued at more than $74,000, follow
more than $590,000 of medical equipment sent by the Defense Department in
coordination with other government agencies to support Russia's efforts to deal
with the aftermath of the tragic hostage-taking incident that claimed more than
300 lives. Many of the victims were children.
On Sept. 6, two other C-130s from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivered more
than more than 34,000 pounds of medical equipment and supplies to Valdikavkaz.
That shipment, which clinical chemistry analyzers, an electrocardiogram unit,
blood-gas analyzers, portable X-ray systems, as well as burn dressings,
antibiotics and other medical supplies, came from U.S. Army Medical Materiel
Center Europe stocks in Pirmasens, Germany.
The humanitarian effort, coordinated by the U.S. European Command here, was in
response to requests by the Russian government after the United States offered
humanitarian assistance, said Col. (Dr.) Edward Huycke, EUCOM's command
surgeon.
"The Russian government made very specific requests through the U.S. State
Department, so we were able to quickly respond by providing medicines,
equipment and supplies that would have the greatest impact in relieving
suffering," said Huycke.
(From a U.S. European Command news release.)
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