Delaware Air Guardsman assists on humanitarian relief airdrop mission after landslide in Afghanistan

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  • By Master Sgt. Michael Voss
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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan --  Airmen from the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, here, delivered more than 17,000 pounds of supplies to Afghanistan's Balkh province, April 7.

The emergency drop, which included food, water and blankets was part of the Air Force and Army's aid effort for the residents of the Northern province, which borders Uzbekistan.

The area was plagued by a landslide Wednesday causing damage to more than 100 residents' homes, farmland and crops.

"It's been a long day, but this morning we got the opportunity to help the locals after a natural disaster which is what we do back home," said Capt. Chris Armstrong, Texas native and 744th EAS navigator.

In a joint effort, airmen deployed from the 181st Airlift Squadron in Fort Worth, Texas, in conjunction with soldiers from the 11th Quartermaster Company assembled and delivered the 16, 48 by 48-inch pallets in less than 24-hours after request.

"It is simply amazing what these guys can accomplish," explained Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Springsteen, 774th EAS joint airdrop inspector. "The amount of hours they work to help others is phenomenal."

Springsteen, who is deployed from the 166th Airlift Wing in Delaware went on to explain that C-130s from Bagram have delivered more than 225,000 pounds of supplies to various locations throughout Afghanistan in April.

But, this mission was not about combat but helping others, and the soldiers who, after a 12-month deployment, are returning home to Fort Campbell, Ky., and Fort Bragg, N.C., agree.

"It was great being able to give back to people who need our help," said Pfc. Kenneth Bosch, 11th Quartermaster Company rigger and Miami native. "At the end of the day, it isn't just a war we are fighting here, but we are also here to help."