More aid heads to Russia

[darrels joy]

More aid heads to Russia

A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules loaded with more than 10 tons of medical supplies arrived in Vladikavkaz, Russia, on Sept. 8 as part of the humanitarian response to the recent terrorist acts at a school in Beslan.

The delivery of surgical supplies and burn-dressing kits from U.N. humanitarian response depot stocks in Brindisi, Italy, designed to support 500 trauma cases, were given to Russian ministry of health officials.

The drugs and equipment delivered was sent by the Defense Department to support Russia's efforts to deal with the aftermath of the tragic hostage-taking incident that claimed more than 300 lives. Many of the victims were children.

On Sept. 6, two other C-130s from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivered more than more than 34,000 pounds of medical equipment and supplies to Valdikavkaz. That shipment included clinical chemistry analyzers, an electrocardiogram unit, blood-gas analyzers, portable X-ray systems, as well as burn dressings, antibiotics and other medical supplies. It came from U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center Europe stocks in Pirmasens, Germany.

The humanitarian effort, coordinated by U.S. European Command officials here, was in response to requests by Russian officials after the United States offered humanitarian assistance, said Col. (Dr.) Edward Huycke, EUCOM's command surgeon.

"(They) made very specific requests through the U.S. State Department, so we were able to quickly respond by providing medicines, equipment and supplies that would have the greatest impact in relieving suffering," Dr. Huycke said.

Note: STUTTGART, Germany (AFPN) (Courtesy of American Forces Press Service)