From the Frontlines: Senior Airman Brian Wiggins

Published April 6, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- In response to the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Haiti Jan. 12, 2010, the Department of Defense deployed servicemembers to the area to assist in search, rescue and recovery operations.

Senior Airman Brian Wiggins, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection department, recently returned from a deployment to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where he was one of more than 40 firefighters who assisted in the effort.

"Our main mission was to provide fire protection to the American assets at the airport," Airman Wiggins said. "We also helped out with several other missions going on."

During his 45-day deployment, Airman Wiggins responded to more than just emergency calls.

"Our crew would shuttle water to the bladders for use at the dining facilities, showers and laundry areas," he said. "We also volunteered at the emergency room of the University of Miami Field Hospital providing whatever assistance they needed."

Airman Wiggins and his crew did all they could to assist in the recovery efforts.

"We worked hand-in-hand with Canadian Air Force firefighters providing victim recovery," Airman Wiggins said. "We even worked at the expeditionary medical support site at the port carrying patients on litters from the United States Navy Ship Comfort down the pier and into an ambulance where they would be transported to the ER for check-ups before being released."

While only deployed for a small time, Airman Wiggins said he feels he and his fellow Airmen made a big impact.

"Our interaction with the local people was very minimal because they spoke a completely different language, but you could tell they appreciated us helping," he said.