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Charleston reservists deliver humanitarian aid to Honduras

  • Published
  • By Capt. Wayne Capps
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras --  While most Americans used Labor Day as a time to rest and enjoy their families, members of the 315th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Charleston, S.C., spent the weekend delivering humanitarian aid to orphans in Honduras.

The reservists delivered five pallets of clothing and school supplies weighing more than 12,000 pounds, via C-17 Globemaster III, to the children's home Por Los Niños and surrounding villages in Honduras.

"These are training missions first and foremost," said Maj. Robert McGrath, aircraft commander 701st Airlift Squadron at JBC. "But, we are able to use our training time to not only train our people, but to deliver humanitarian supplies. It is a win-win."

By utilizing flight training hours, the 315 AW was able to provide humanitarian relief while providing mandated training to C-17 aircrew members.

"These types of humanitarian missions show the true spirit of the American people, allowing us the opportunity to help other countries in need," said Tech. Sgt. Rick Higuera, loadmaster 701st AS JBC. "It shows people in other countries who we really are, a caring and loving country."

Missions like these are made possible by the Denton Amendment, a state department program allowing the delivery of donated humanitarian aid to fly on U.S. Air Force assets on a space available basis.

McGrath is no stranger to flying Denton cargo missions. He volunteers to fly at least one mission each quarter. He said it is rewarding to use our talents and skills for these humanitarian missions. Flying airplanes for a living is rewarding and using our abilities to help orphans in Honduras is gratifying.

The American taxpayer also gets a lot out of the missions said McGrath.

"The American military has a dual role; defending America's freedom by securing peace and providing for people in need around the world," said McGrath. "These missions promote peace and could possibly prevent a future conflict and it is the right thing to do."

Stay up to date with the 315th Airlift Wing at http://www.315aw.afrc.af.mil/. Follow the 315 AW on Facebook and Twitter.