This past weekend, McGuire opened it's doors to help hundreds (500+) of Haiti evacuees. I was impressed and proud of our military men and women. At the same time, I was humbled and honored to help serve those evacuated.
Last Thursday, as Air Force C-17's dropped off supplies in Haiti, they loaded their cargo bays with evacuees and routed them here in a humanitarian relief effort. The military and local community came together quickly and rounded up food and clothing in a matter of hours. It was truly amazing. One and I spent several hours at the gym Friday thru Sunday helping hand out much needed warm clothing and entertaining children and babies. It was an experience that won't soon be forgotten.
Within hours of notification that evacuees were headed our way, our gym here on base was transformed into this:
The men, women and children (even babies as young as 6 weeks old) were picked up by our logistics folks and transported to the gym where they could rest, get clean warm clothing, eat and seek basic medical attention if needed.
Computer and phone banks were set up so they could contact friends and family members and make travel arrangements.
Evacuees were then transported out to various airports to be reconnected with family and friends. It was a moving three days that left an impression on our whole family. The diversity, mobility, talent and compassion of our military men and women is truly incredible and it makes me all the more grateful to be a small part of that.
