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Show Hilltop I LTOP TIMES TIMES 9 May 30, 2013 SENIOR AIRMAN MARK HYBERS/U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tracy Barnhill, 137th Maintenance Group, surveys the damage of her mother's house. 507 ARW helps in search 507th Air Refueling Wing T INKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — Nearly 250 members of the Oklahoma National Guard, as well as members of Tinker Air Force Base were assisting with victim search and security in Moore, Okla., authorities reported on Thursday, May 23. The twister hit May 20, about 3:15 p.m. CDT, just three miles south of Tinker. Tinker Air Force Base officials activated the 507th Air Refueling Wing Crisis Action Team and initiated accountability of all personnel assigned to the wing. "At this time, we are attempting to determine the specific impact to our personnel, their families and the local community," Col. Russell Muncy, the 507th ARW commander, said in a news release May 20. Among National Guard members activated to assist in relief efforts were Airmen from the 146th Air Support Operations Squadron from nearby Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City. In a video interview, 2nd Lt. Gabriel Bird said the unit members carry thermal imaging gear to help locate those buried in rubble. "Hopefully, we'll find survivors," Bird said. Members also carried multi-band radios to communicate with ground and aircraft crews, and basic medical supplies, Bird said. "We're a pretty new unit, so we haven't supported any state emergencies." But Bird noted that many squadron members are veterans who have supported other disaster recovery operations when assigned to other units. SGT. 1ST CLASS KENDALL JAMES/Oklahoma National Guard Oklahoma National Guard Soldiers and Airmen respond to a devastating tornado that ripped through Moore, Okla., May 20. Airmen volunteer in storm-wracked areas of Oklahoma BY CAPT. JEFF M. NAGAN 3rd Combat Camera Squadron T STAFF SGT. JONATHAN SNYDER/U.S. Air Force Above, Air Force Capt. Ryan Gers, searches through the rubble of a leveled home, May 23, looking for anything salvageable after a tornado ripped through Moore, Okla., May 20, damaging more than 13,000 homes. More than 600 Airmen from the greater Oklahoma area volunteered to assist in the relief efforts. Gers is assigned to the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker AFB, Okla., and hails from Scottsdale, Ariz. Below, Air Force 1st Lt. Isaiah Zyduck asks Cotten Mclaughlin, relative of Mona Thomas, a Moore resident, where to search for items in the rubble of her leveled home. Zyduck, an air battle manager, 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, and 1st. Lt. Linna De Cuir, an ABM with the 964th AACS, Tinker AFB, were among the nearly 600 Air Force volunteers working that day. INKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — Nature's wrath in the form of a 1.5-mile-wide, EF-5 tornado ripped a path through the town of Moore, Okla., just south of Oklahoma City, May 20, killing 24, injuring hundreds and leaving thousands of homes in ruins. The day before, a deadly tornado ripped through small towns just east of the base. In addition to federal and state workers, more than 600 Airmen from three Oklahoma Air Force bases volunteered to assist residents in recovering some of their effects, May 24. Much of the Air Force had the day off to spend time with their families, but for volunteers in the greater Oklahoma area, the day served as a chance to help other families. 72nd Air Base Wing commander, Col. Steven Bleymaier asked Tinker Air Force Base members to support what he dubbed the "Helping Families Day" May 24 on what was a scheduled day off in conjunction with the Memorial Day holiday. "Let's show the state and the nation our Team Tinker fighting spirit by helping our fellow Oklahomans and Tinker Teammates during their time of need," Bleymaier said. "This was my chance to help the community," said 1st Lt. Linna De Cuir, air weapons officer, 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. "The public is military friendly, and we want to give back to the community." In addition to Tinker AFB, Airmen from Altus AFB, Okla., and Vance AFB, Okla., joined in the clean-up effort. "If I could find a memento or picture, it could mean a lot to the families," said De Cuir, who is originally from Lincolnton, N.C. "Even something little can go a long way." Serving as extra hands and eyes, working alongside residents the volunteers sifted through the rubble, moving brinks, boards and other debris in search of valuables. For one resident, the discovery of fragments of a china set she inherited from her grandparents nearly brought her to tears. "Even a few pieces help keep these memories alive with me," said Mona Thomas, a 35-year resident of Moore. "I can pass them down to my grandchildren." Without the help of the Airmen, she would have had to search through the debris by herself or wait for her relatives to arrive, Thomas explained. The Airmen allowed her to immediately start uncovering the remains of her shattered home. "I was coming in to dig out my stuff and these guys were here," she said, referring to the Airmen who were still assisting residents after nearly eight hours. "They asked if I needed anything, and they jumped right in." Many of the Airmen had started the volunteer effort as early as 8 a.m. Even as the sun began to dip in the evening, many were still among the rubble, helping local residents. Although their effort made a small impact, it strengthens hope and resolve in the community. "I am devastated, but the community support is outstanding," said Thomas. "We are united Oklahomans. We are one family. It is just wonderful the love and support from complete strangers — strangers you may never meet again." |