Convoy of Hope: Humanitarian Relief

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Kellie Courtland
  • 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron

The Airmen of the 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) are prepared to execute strategic deterrence, global strike and combat support … anytime, anywhere.

However, the LRS Airmen also get the privilege to help execute humanitarian relief efforts whenever called upon. In March 2017, the Airmen of the 509th LRS in combination with our Air National Guard mission partners at the 131st LRS led the way for a specific humanitarian relief effort called Convoy of Hope.

Convoy of Hope is a faith-based, nonprofit organization with a driving passion to feed the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreach and disaster response. The organization was founded in 1994 by the Donaldson family. Their inspiration for starting the organization can be traced back to the many people who helped their family after their father, Harold, was killed by a drunk driver in 1969. Today, more than 79 million people have been saved throughout the world by Convoy of Hope.

Last month, we received a call to help with this outreach. U.S. Southern Command convoyed over 70 pallets, equating to 84,000 pounds of fortified rice and soy protein meals via semi-trucks to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The Airmen of the LRS palletized, weighed, inspected and loaded all pallets on a KC-10 Extender aircraft in three days and sent it to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, and then onto its final destination: the beautiful country of Haiti. This is the LRS’s third Convoy of Hope in the last year. Other missions have supported other countries such as El Salvador and Honduras. We are excited to let you know that this mission will feed over 65,000 children at over 264 program centers in the country. The program centers help educate children in nutrition and hygiene, laying the groundwork for better health for their country in the future.

Convoy of Hope has been feeding children in Haiti since 2007 and as the 509th LRS commander, I am proud and humbled to serve with the men and women of the LRS who help make this mission a success. What a great way to uphold the legacy of excellence…anytime anywhere!