Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Bringing the Goods to Your Front Door

    Bringing the Goods to Your Front Door

    Photo By Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez | Master Sgt. Purvis Gray, (left) Noncommissioned officer in charge of the humanitarian...... read more read more

    KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

    05.23.2011

    Story by Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez 

    7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary)

    KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN – The coalition mission in Afghanistan is often an uphill battle. Kinetic warfare is just one challenge that hinders the goal of leaving the Afghans with a secure and stable environment. Even more difficult to battle are the natural obstacles like drought, earthquakes and floods that impacts day-to-day life.
    The Humanitarian Assistance yard here is one way for the coalition to fight the effects of natural disasters. This yard supplies emergency goods for crisis situations.
    The mission for the yard started in 2009, supporting all areas under Regional Command South, West and Southwest. It is supplied with food, medical and school supplies, clothing and other provisions which are used as humanitarian assistance for local nationals in crisis or emergency situations. Task Force Resolute is responsible for using the Commanders Emergency Response Program (CERP) funds to purchase the goods the HA yard distributes.
    “The main mission (of the HA yard) CERP.” Said Staff Sgt. Christopher Breaux, project purchasing officer for the HA yard. “If there is a natural disaster like a flood, earthquake or drought we are able to support the commander in the field to give humanitarian assistance.”
    For example, during the floods that hit northeastern Afghanistan and Pakistan in mid 2010, the Kandahar Airfield HA yard played an important part in the recovery process.
    “We helped restock Bagram Airfield during the floods. One hundred and fifty tents and countless amounts of food were sent,” said Breaux.
    Rice, beans, sugar, flour and tea were among the food items transported to Bagram
    The rainy season is also a difficult period for local nationals. In response to the past season more than 42 tons of emergency supplies were sent to areas in need, added Breaux.
    Last year, the yard saw 31 missions for CERP. So far this year 31 missions have already been conducted, totaling more than 282 tons of humanitarian relief supplies.
    Working in the yard are both coalition forces and Afghan local laborers, both with the goal of helping locals in need.
    “The yard's presence here has provided jobs and opportunities for the locals. Afghans that work here help operate the humanitarian assistance yard and will work side by side with Soldiers. All supplies stored here were purchased through local vendors,” said Breaux.
    When the yard isn’t supplying local families in need, the yard is used to store donations from international agencies around the world. Items donated from U.S. organizations like Operation International Child, Operation Give and others are inventoried and stored for not just U.S. and coalition forces but Afghani locals as well.
    “Items like books, flip flops, and popcorn from boy scouts of America are all donated to us,” said Master Sgt. Purvis Gray, assigned to Joint Sustainment Command Afghanistan and the Noncommissioned officer in charge of the H.A. yard. “Donations used for the local community are sandals, skill kits, hygiene kits, toys, newborn kits, shoes, clothes, and medical supplies.”
    More than 80 organizations have donated to the H.A. yard and the immediate response provided by these donations is a cornerstone of the coalition’s strength.
    “It might take weeks to months to build a road, school, or power plant but our contribution with emergency assistance is here now and ready to go, “said Breaux

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 05.23.2011
    Date Posted: 05.23.2011 05:45
    Story ID: 70879
    Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF

    Web Views: 118
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN