Travis volunteers aid Operation Pacific Passage

Published March 29, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. -- Nearly 1,000 service members from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines along with family members, civil service workers and community leaders volunteered March 22 through March 28 in support of Operation Pacific Passage.

Team Travis, in conjunction with the Airman and Family Readiness Center, joint branches and local community agencies processed more than 2,600 passengers and 150 pets through the Travis passenger terminal.

"The volunteer support has been phenomenal," said Renee Richardson, AFRC family readiness outreach coordinator. "The reason we have such a strong support is we have always had a strong foundation to build upon. Throughout the year, Team Travis always comes together to help, but when we come to help out families like this, it's tremendous."

During a shift volunteers greeted passengers, helped process luggage, ensured passengers has smooth transition through the processing line, and helped meet any needs passengers might have during their in-processing.

One of the most memorable events of the week occurred when volunteers showed up to the terminal with a birthday cake, balloons and the crowd sang happy birthday to a young child whose mother didn't think they would make it to Utah in time to celebrate his birthday, said Mustak Keval, AFRC director.

Throughout the week, Team Travis members and local community partners made donations such as food, cases of water, toys, baby items and clothing, which the AFRC collected and processed for the terminal. Even local fast food restaurants donated meals and food items to give the passengers and volunteers a hot meal.

"We are so proud and thankful to the many Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee members, community partners, churches and service clubs that stepped up with such tremendous outpouring of support for the base relief efforts for incoming passengers from Japan," said Sandy Person, Travis Golden Bear and TRAFC chair. "The men, women and children of Team Travis led an awe-inspiring week of tireless compassion and service. What a blessing to be part of such a giving community."

Also on hand were members of the Red Cross who provided a way for passengers to get contact their family members back in Japan or those in the U.S., by providing long distance calling cards for passengers to use throughout their travels.

There is so much order and professionalism from our volunteers and the passengers are so gracious," said Col. Terese LeFrancois, 349th Air Mobility Operations Squadron commander. "There were so many tired faces, but watching volunteers reach out to passengers was heartwarming."

Volunteers participated in all aspects of the voluntary departures transition from helping a mother with paper work, rocking a baby to sleep, carrying luggage, stocking snacks or entertaining groups of kids.

"No matter what we needed, volunteers were there to help," said Jaye Hurt, AFRC community readiness consultant. "Volunteers worked long and hard hours and were always around when they were needed. If we needed a ride for one of the passengers, there was always someone willing to help out."