Wing members, AFRC's 'first lady' take part in Afghan refugee relief program

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amaani Lyle
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. --  As Jan Bradley turned pages in a photo book containing images of Afghanistan's refugees living meagerly along their country's desolate landscape, she seemed all the more committed to making a positive change. 

Perhaps her inspiration derives from the photo of a middle-aged man gratefully showing off his first pair of shoes, or maybe by the photo of the tent that deployed service members built to keep two young Afghan orphans from continuing to live in a hole in the ground in the East River range. 

Whatever the motivation, the spouse of Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, commander of Air Force Reserve Command and chief of Air Force Reserve, has gotten on board and galvanized continued interest in Operation Care, developed by the Col. Victor Kuchar, a Pentagon-based intelligence officer who often travels into Afghanistan's tribal regions. 

Operation Care is one of several relief coalition initiatives designed to assess humanitarian needs and offer aid to promote self-sufficiency, prosperity and a healthy environment for displaced villagers. 

"When I heard about a program that enabled Army and Air Force members to work together and meet the needs of Afghan refugees in remote villages and plains, I immediately wanted to get involved," said Mrs. Bradley. 

Mrs. Bradley was pleased to find eager civilian and military volunteers for the provisional reconstruction team that is responsible for building clinics, schools and homes accessible to thousands of more than 2 million refugees in the region. Wing members here have been an integral part in helping to sustain the relief mission through critical loading and airlift.

Through airlift already en route downrange, Mrs. Bradley has described this mission as an opportune way to take critically needed supplies, medicinal help and even toys to hot spots where some prior relief organizations only dared tread. 

One Air Force Airman, who transitioned from an active duty jet engine mechanic to a 69th Aerial Port Squadron apprentice here, shared his reaction to being so directly involved in a humanitarian effort. 

"It feels really good to help people who have difficulty helping themselves," said Senior Airman Alfonso Gasaway. "Now that I'm in the Reserve, I can see the results of the supplies and assistance we're providing people." 

Mrs. Bradley said she envisions Operation Care being just as robust throughout the year and not just during the holiday season. 

"These people need help yesterday - all year long -- for a chance at a better quality of life," she said. "This Joint Force effort can help us achieve that goal."