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Show 1 10 H.SItcp Times COMMENTS Aug. 9, 1991 Cqd?gOs Q ft from countries involved in the airlift effort. Each day our unit flew between 15 and 18 by Capt. Tom White AB. Rhein-Mai- Germany n March 27, after seven months of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron finally left behind the scorching sun and blowing sand of the desert for home. The success of the entire operation was tantamount to a modern-damiracle of God, and many fervent prayers were answered when the unit returned unscathed. Our reunion with our families was an incredibly emotional time. My two daughters still remembered their daddy and I fought back tears of joy as I held them both in my arms. My wife, whose strength sustained me throughout the difficult days, welcomed me gently back to my "new" family. There would be many adjustments to make and new rules to learn as I resumed my role as husband and father. Unfortunately, while we basked in the glory of our victory, Saddam picked up the pieces of his war machine and turned it against his own people to secure his position of power. While his army was no match for the allied forces, it proved quite lethal against the lightly armed rebels. Soon, a mass of desperate and defeated men, women and children were being driven toward Iraq's borders, leaving homes and possessions behind to flee the onslaught. As news of their suffering reached the ears of our nation, pangs of guilt and human compassion joined to compel us to action. Used only sparingly during the war, the tactical airdrop skill of the 37th would prove indispensable to the emergency, stop-gameasures taken to bring relief to the Kurds. Less than two weeks after our joyous return from the gulf war, the 37th redeployed to Turkey in support of Operation Provide Comfort. y p airdrop missions, carrying about half a million pounds of beans, rice, flour, water and blankets to the refugee camps along the mountainous border between Turkey and Iraq. On my first mission to one of these enI was overwhelmed by the responsibility that will promote campments meager existence to which they have been world peace for years to come. driven by Saddam's evil Thousands of souls were huddled together against the elements in makeshift tents and lean-tshelters, One of the most emotionally difficult tasks clinging to the sides of the jagged peaks. One look at the snow line attests that I have ever faced was telling my daughter, Natalie, that once more her daddy spring had not quite reached the high elevations of this remote corner of the world. had to go away and did not know when he would be back. Though this first encounter was brief, it left me with the impression of a refugee's face, a I don't know how much of the current situation she understood, so I tried to relate it face that I associated with the reports of to one of her favorite Bible stories. After the starvation, disease and death that before were only words on paper. Exodus from Egypt, the Hebrew nation faced starvation and death as they followed Many people are preoccupied with linking Moses across the barren Sinai. God had mer- the suffering to our decision to end the war food and leave Saddam Hussein in power. Overcy on them and caused a called manna to rain down from the sky. all, the American public just didn't warm up I told Natalie that there were now thouto what we really did here. This saddens me sands of men, women and children who because I believe that by acting within the would surely become sick and die if they did bounds of the United Nations directives, our not receive help soon. I drew a picture to country and its allies set a precedent of inshow how Daddy and his friends would fly ternational responsibility that will promote world peace for years to come. their airplanes over these people, dropping bundles of food, water and blankets to them Politics aside, in Provide Comfort there in an effort to save their lives. Perhaps in were many people who made incredible time she will understand the significance of sacrifices to do something which is, simply this humanitarian mission. put, the right thing to do. Our efforts have saved countless Lives. As for myself, I did not realize the full As the immediacy of the situation fades, scope of Operation Provide Comfort until I and U.S. forces return home, I pray that our arrived at Incirlik AB, Turkey, the latest home away from home for the deployed country will receive the recognition it 435th Tactical Airlift Wing. The ramp was deserves. And as the excitement of the saturated with aircraft to include two airdrop missions is replaced by our eagera and scores of ness to be reunited with our families, I know transports. Our operations building was a veritable we will never forget what we accomplished classroom of international rank and insignia here. ...by acting within the bounds of the United Nations directives, our country and its allies set a precedent of international o life-sustaini- ng C-5- s, C-1- C-1- 30 41 1 2333 ESS ESI ES Boot Featuring Brenda. Alina, & Stephanie on hair. Carla and Stephanie on nails. Michelle on Pedicures. and Shoe Repair 3660 Wall Avenue (in the PERMS Reg S35 PEDICURE wMassage Reg S15 Plaza) 392-871- 3 Purchase five pairs of heels-g- et the sixth one MEN'S CUT Reg KIDS CUT FREE! 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