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76APS Airmen assist humanitarian efforts, gain valuable training

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brenda Haines
  • 910AW/PA
76th Aerial Port Squadron (APS) Airmen loaded four pallets of medical supplies and equipment onto a C-17 aircraft from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, April 15 on the flightline here, in support of a humanitarian mission to El Salvador.

Utilizing the Denton program, which allows organizations to transport humanitarian cargo via space available on military aircraft, MedWish International is able to transport aid to places in need.

According to their website, MedWish, based in Cleveland, is a not-for-profit organization committed to repurposing medical supplies and equipment discarded by the healthcare industry with the objectives of providing humanitarian aid in developing countries to save lives and reducing waste to save the environment.

"We're going to work together and do some training while we have the C-17 here," said Senior Master Sgt. Tom Luke, NCO in charge of ramp services. "It's a really good opportunity for us."

Working together on humanitarian missions like this helps keep Airmen up to date on training and provides them with an opportunity to put their knowledge, skill and ability to the test.

"We are gaining valuable experience by participating in this mission with MedWish International," said Tech. Sgt. Anthony Cresanto, air transportation specialist with 76th APS.

Cresanto, along with his cousin, Senior Airman Steve Cresanto, helped coordinate movement and loading of the pallets that weighed in at 10,080 pounds.