Reservists have stepped up in response to devastating hurricane

During my recent testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, I ensured the committee's members that our Reservists are ready now! In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, no one could have known just how significant that single statement would be. Your level of readiness, volunteerism and willingness to help fellow Americans have been nothing but extraordinary.

In a matter of hours, we had members of the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., flying their HH-60 helicopters to Mississippi to transport people and supplies. In their first night of flying, they rescued more than 40 people. By Sept. 1 they had recorded more than 400 saves. In just 10 hours, one crew had 180 saves, and the other had 167. As of Sept. 9, our HH-60 crews and support people had been credited with more than 1,100 saves.

By Sept. 2 our aeromedical units were flying more than 60 percent of the medical evacuation missions, saving lives here in the United States as they've been doing around the world. These are the same men and women who have not lost one life in flight since the beginning of hostilities in Iraq. By the end of the first week of September, they had moved more than 2,600 patients.

Reserve mobility airlift forces were also a major contributor. Our C-130, C-5, C-141, C-9 and C-17 crews and support moved more than 3,700 passengers and delivered more than 2,200 tons of supplies, including water, meals, ready-to-eat and medical kits.

Our RED HORSE units are re-establishing flight operations, housing and basic requirements in both Louisiana and Mississippi. Self-contained, they went into situations that resembled bare-base conditions in a Third World country, but it was not another country. It was right here in the United States. Less than two weeks after the hurricane struck the Gulf Coast, both Keesler AFB, Miss., and Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans were operating with full instrument capability.

With more storms churning in the Atlantic Ocean, the men and women who fly the WC-130 Hurricane Hunters had to relocate, leaving their families behind, and prepare for weather missions. What's noteworthy is the fact that many of these people live where the hurricane hit. If you've been looking for a perfect example of "service before self," this is it!

Along with the people performing our flying and support missions, we have doctors, lawyers, engineers, public affairs personnel, finance specialists and so many more professionals who have dedicated their time and talents where our nation needs them most--supporting their fellow countrymen. All the while, we are flying in new storms, fighting Western wildfires, flying aerial spray missions, and continuing to fly and fight in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Upon entering the military, we all took an oath. That oath includes a statement about supporting and defending the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Nature quickly became a domestic enemy. So when you stepped forward and raised your hand, you assumed this awesome responsibility and joined the ranks of citizens who are asked to protect the lives of thousands of people. I am exceedingly proud to tell our national leaders about your significant accomplishments and that you are "well and faithfully discharging your duties" beyond the call.

In more than 35 years of service, I've never seen an effort that demands more thanks for your dedication and professionalism. You have my utmost gratitude. Keep up the great work!

Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley

Commander, Air Force Reserve Command

COPYRIGHT 2005 Air Force Reserves
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group