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Oklahoma reservists help Japanese relief efforts

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Rich Curry
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Air Force reservists from the 507th Air Refueling Wing's 72nd Aerial Port Squadron assisted Operation Tomodachi, the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts underway in Japan.

The reservists were beginning the second week of their two-week annual tour at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, when news arrived of the disaster in Japan.

On March 17, the final day of their deployment to Hickam, the reservists got the chance to prepare several pallets of hazardous material spill kits destined for Japan.

"United States military assets are actively supporting the requests of the Government of Japan in its response to the disaster," said Pacific Command officials in a statement March 17. "As long-time allies, U.S. and Japan forces as are extremely interoperable. U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) is in constant contact with their Japan Self-Defense Forces counterparts as we continue to support operations to aid the people of Japan."

Master Sgt. Joseph Melichar, an air transportation craftsman and team chief for the 26 deployed reservists, said his people were glad to help.

"We've all watched the news and are horrified by the destruction that occurred," he said.