Local Air Force Reservists Take Off To Help Haiti

By: Patti Moon

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE – The 302nd Airlift Wing is helping relief efforts in Haiti. A group of about 50 volunteers will be flying back and forth from Port-au-Prince to Florida. They left Colorado Springs Friday morning.

“I told my friends last night, we’re lucky enough to be able to do it,” said Maj. Bradley James.

The airmen will work 38-hour shifts. The most important task of Operation Coronet Oak is to keep planes moving.

Transporting food, supplies and medical support will be key. Airmen will also help evacuate Haitians.

“Everybody’s anxious to get going,” Maj. Michael Savage said. “Every minute that goes by could make the difference between life and death.

The ultimate goal is to save lives. Volunteers say it won’t be easy, but they’ll fly with high hopes ready to work.

“Whatever it takes, we’re ready to go!” Savage said.

Operation Coronet Oak is based in Puerto Rico. Generally, it focuses on missions throughout South America and the Caribbean. Currently though, it is only helping relief efforts in Haiti.