Newsroom & Press Releases
US Troops Arrive in Haiti
The following editorial was written by USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson was published 1.18.2010 in The Courier-Journal and Cap Times, among others:
Our organization, USA Cares, works hand-in-hand with post 9/11 military and their families every day—providing aid when it is needed most. We have a unique understanding of the pressure and strain that not only the service member, but also their families must shoulder in the face of deployment.
The United States military is taking the lead in delivering security and humanitarian aid following the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the Caribbean nation earlier this week. Current estimates leave over 50,000 dead, a government brought to its knees, violent prisoners escaped from a devestated prison and hospital resources that have been leveled. Food, shelter and clean drinking water are all but nonexistent for over three-million Hatians.
The President has ordered relief efforts that involve the military that include the deployment of 2,000 Marines and thousand’s of soldiers to maintain order in the streets—placement of other military support and personnel including earth-moving equipment, helicopters, floating hospitals and transport planes—Coast Guard deployment to facilitate evacuation efforts and the ferrying of supplies.
US forces have a history of appearing at the scene of disasters across the globe. Along with equipment and aid, they also bring professionalism and American optimism to regions devastated by nature and filled with people who have often lost everything, including hope.
Unexpected demands placed on our service men and women in the face of international disaster are not unfamiliar. However what is new is that US military has been actively engaged in ongoing combat operations for the past eight years. 2010 will undoubtedly be a year of increased deployments, returning wounded and those who make the ultimate sacrifice. While Americans will and should give generously to support Haitian relief efforts through organizations such as the American Red Cross and World Vision—I urge them to keep in mind the additional sacrifice borne by our troops and their families who, between combat deployments, unquestioningly answer their Nation’s call to duty.
William H. Nelson–Executive Director, USA Cares–Radcliff, KY
