U.S. Marine heavy equipment operator aids in St. Martin, Dominica relief efforts

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Marine Cpl. Michael A. Fleenor, a heavy equipment operator with Joint Task Force - Leeward Islands, poses for a photo with Royal Canadian Air Force Lt. Col. Paul-Éric Gilbert, left, the Royal Canadian Air Task Force commander, and Royal Canadian Air Force Master Warrant Officer Joel Langley, the ATF chief, after an award ceremony at Charles-Douglas Airport in Melville Hall, Dominica, Oct. 2, 2017.

 Fleenor was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his efforts in supporting both U.S. and foreign military efforts during hurricane relief operations in Dominica. At the request of USAID, JTF-LI has deployed aircraft and service members to assist in delivering relief supplies to Dominica in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The task force is a U.S. military unit composed of Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, and represents U.S. Southern Command’s primary response to the hurricanes that have affected the eastern Caribbean. (Royal Canadian Air Force photo by Caporal Gary Calvé)  

MELVILLE HALL, DOMINICA

10.03.2017

Story by Cpl. Melanie A Williams 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

When he packed his bags to deploy in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, 28-year-old U.S. Marine Cpl. Michael A. Fleenor from South Bend, Indiana, had no idea that he would be playing such an important role in U.S. Southern Command’s response to hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“The people on the two different islands where I’ve been sent are in desperate need of resources,” said Fleenor, a heavy equipment operator with Joint Task Force - Leeward Islands, which has been supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in its hurricane response efforts in the eastern Caribbean. “My position has given me the unique ability to work with not only the locals, but also the other aiding countries in providing these people with the resources they need.”

Forklifts give Marines the ability to move heavy pallets of gear, a key capability in a disaster response scenario. Fleenor’s forklift speeds up loading and unloading times, making the response much more efficient.

“I’ve been working from sunup to sundown here on Dominica, and it’s beneficial work because of how much it’s helping the local population,” said Fleenor. “In total, I’ve moved a combined total of 3.5 million pounds of supplies at the very least.”

Fleenor also assisted the airport staff at Douglas-Charles Airport in Melville Hall, Dominica, in clearing the runway, which facilitated its reopening to civilian aircraft ahead of schedule.

“His first day here he went through almost a half tank of fuel there was so many calls for his services,” said Patrick Long, a logistics representative with USAID. “The forklift came at a critical time for the response and it made all the difference. Corporal Fleenor is unwavering in his commitment to offload every aircraft that parks on the ramp here and he does it with smiles and thumbs up.”

Because of his efforts, over 62,000 people in St. Martin and Dominica received vitally needed aid, including hygiene kits, kitchen sets, water containers, blankets, tarps, food and potable water.

“Working with different nations has been great. I’ve gotten to see how other nations’ flight crews operate and also see how quickly we can come together and help those in need,” said Fleenor. “These last three weeks have given me a new perspective on the importance of a heavy equipment operator and forklift capability, especially in a disaster, to be able to provide quick and efficient aid to the local populace.”

JTF-LI evacuated more than 170 American citizens from Dominica, taking them to safe havens on nearby islands. Working from these locations, other members of the task force have coordinated with USAID and international partners to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the islands of St. Martin and Dominica.

The task force is a U.S. military unit composed of Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, and represents U.S. Southern Command’s primary response to both hurricane disasters, Irma and Maria.

“Over the course of the last two weeks, JTF-LI provided lifesaving support to the people of Dominica, delivering over 75 metric tons of relief supplies, logistical support to the humanitarian community and sustainment support to the (Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance) response team,” said Tim Callaghan, senior regional advisor with USAID. “In particular, the forklift provided to Charles-Douglas Airport was absolutely critical to increasing the throughput of life saving humanitarian supplies."

“Fleenor is truly one of the unsung heroes of this response,” added Callaghan. “His tireless efforts, while perhaps not the most visible, were certainly among the most critical and were of immeasurable value to the entire humanitarian community.”

Fleenor also received a certificate of appreciation from the Royal Canadian Air Force for his outstanding devotion and professionalism in support of ongoing operations.

“This has been an awesome experience,” said Fleenor. “Joining nations together to provide humanitarian aid to people who have lost essentially everything, during one of the biggest storms recorded in history, is going to help restart these location on a firm footing to rebuild their countries.”

• Date Taken: 10.03.2017
• Date Posted: 10.04.2017 13:41
• Story ID: 250572
• Location: MELVILLE HALL, DM
• Hometown: SOUTH BEND, IN, US