JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas. –
Three and a half weeks of 24/7 hurricane relief operations came to an end Oct. 11 as Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle, 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio commander, assisted Airmen from the 502nd Logistics Readiness Squadron in loading the last pallet to leave JBSA-Kelly Air Field.
The 502nd LRS, with assistance by the 433rd Airlift Wing, 12th Flying Wing, Texas Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, supported the Federal Emergency Management Agency operations by receiving supplies, building pallets and shipping food and water to the victims of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, said Lt. Col. Ernest Cage, 502nd LRS commander.
“We sprang into action with about three hour notice from FEMA,” Cage said. “We started about 3 a.m. and then from there, it evolved into 24/7 operations. It was a total team effort and we worked just like a well-oiled machine.”
As a result of the great teamwork between the 502nd LRS and its mission partners, 41 C-17 Globemaster III transport aircrafts were filled with 746 pallets and shipped off to areas of need, added Cage.
Cage attributes the units big picture success to the efforts of all the Airmen.
“This operation was fueled totally by Airmen who were ready to support their fellow Americans without hesitation,” Cage said. “No one ever complained; they jumped into action and worked very hard around the clock to provide support for those in need.”
The Airmen’s efforts were even noticed by the JBSA commander.
“Their dedication to serving others as well as their sense of purpose and urgency was outstanding,” Pringle said. “It was really great to spend a minute with the Airmen here, tell them thanks, and congratulate them on a job well done.”
Pringle said the professionalism shown by these Airmen is what wearing the uniform is all about.
“I’m really proud to see just a snapshot of the team getting done,” Pringle said. “It was an honor and a privilege to be here to load the last pallet and see them ship out much needed supplies. These Airmen showcased what it means to put the uniform on everyday and just go to work.”