JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Joint Team Andrews members continue to provide executive security and medical care to high-profile visitors as well as any returning from overseas that need superior medical attention through maintaining mission readiness at all times.
Just after midnight on Jan. 17, an 89th Airlift Wing C-32 carrying 22 survivors of the Jan. 12 Haitian earthquake landed at Joint Base Andrews, and 316th Security Forces Squadron, 316th Wing Protocol and 79th Medical Wing personnel stood at the ready.
The repatriated U.S. citizens arrived at the passenger terminal with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who returned from Haiti after pledging U.S. support toward the relief effort to Haitian President Rene Preval.
After a Joint Team Andrews welcome from senior leaders, the victims received immediate medical attention for flu symptoms, fatigue and any other medical concerns. This care was distributed jointly by members of the 79th Medical Wing, Prince George's County Fire Department emergency medical technicians and American Red Cross workers.
The 316 SFS members secured the base as well as the flightline in preparation for the arrival of Secretary Hillary Clinton and the 22 survivors. Through their teamwork and diligence, the mission was completed and the area remained secure.
"Even with a short notice, we put together security in a timely manner," said Senior Master Sgt. Hugh Umpstead, 316 SFS superintendent of executive services. "Our Airmen always do a great job."
The superior defense team that they 316 SFS provides is not only recognized by Joint Team Andrews members, but also by members of the National Capital Region.
"You always feel so much safer coming through Andrews," said Serio Nino II, American Red Cross of the National Capital Area coordinator.
The security and personal care provided by our 316 SFS members played a huge part in the care for the returning survivors.
"I feel like Andrews is full of nice people," said Myrlene Desir, a returning survivor who was born in Haiti and came to the United States in 1984. "Everyone here is very helpful." Ms. Desir visits family in Haiti and now lives in Waterbridge, Conn.
For people like Ms. Desir, the trauma of the catastrophe that shook the Haitian region was eased when U.S. assistance took hold. One of the three children Ms. Desir was traveling with, her 8-year-old niece, Isabel, received medical attention for flu-like symptoms.
"[Isabel] reminded me of my own kids," said Lt. Col. Steve Irvin, 79th Aeromedical Staging Facility medical director. "You just try to take care of everybody as if they're your own."
The survivors all welcomed the assistance after their traumatic experience and were humbled by the generosity of the Joint Base Andrews hosts.
"I think the doctor did a good job when he was taking care of me," said Isabel. "I think that he was very helpful."
After all necessary medical examinations were completed, U.S. Customs agents cleared the citizens and released them to a local hotel to rest for the night.
(Updated Jan. 22, 2010)