Reflecting on Service

The milestone project I chose to share gave a taste of what military members do on a daily basis. We are a representation of American values and traditions through our service that we provide to the US. Assisting the families fleeing Japan made me feel like a part of the actual humanitarian mission taking place in their country. When helping others in crisis situations, I often get a chill through my body with the thought that it could easily be me in their position. Therefore, it was an honor to support our allied nation in their time of need.

The energy I felt through this milestone project came directly from the family members returning. The appreciation everyone showed because of our assistance made me proud to be an American. However, I wanted to do more. I wanted to be in Japan with all the first responders from the US. I wanted my parents to point me out on television and say, that’s my boy! So I decided to let this milestone project become my inspiration.

Recently, I put in a package to become a flyer. In the military, flyer’s are typically in the air carrying out missions. Chances are likely that I will get approved. So guess what? The next crisis situation that breaks out around the globe, I will be a part of the first responding crew. And I will remember that my milestone project at Bellevue University was my inspiration.

Summarizing my Experiences

                Operation Pacific Passage happened so quickly! America responded instantaneously to a crisis that occurred in one of our allied nations. As a volunteer of this operation, I was limited to assisting returning families from Japan. Sometimes when I’m caught in the moment of helping others, I always feel like there is more that I can do and want to do. Nevertheless, the volunteers at Travis AFB (including myself) assisted more than 2,600 passengers and 150 pets through the passenger terminal here on our installation. My primary role was to register family members as they arrived to the installation in order to assist their medical needs in our hospital.

               Whatever the families needed, we provided. We assisted with things like entertaining kids while parents took care of other needs, ensuring shelves were stocked with food for everyone, carrying luggage to final destinations, etc. Being involved in a large operation in a small way may seem like the entire world to one person. So I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in such a large operation that is a part of history.  

               The US authorized family members to return to Japan a few weeks later. Our volunteer team did not have much participation in their departure back to Japan because families were located throughout the nation. Although I intended to volunteer with the Red Cross, I was unable to do so because of an unforeseen event that occurred. Nonetheless, my efforts were appreciated by family members in whom some thanked me personally for my compassion and professionalism. I must say that Travis AFB as a whole did an outstanding job. Go Team Travis!!

Americans Values and Tradition

               Our society does not consist primarily of American soil. America is a nation composed of immigrants from around the world. Although America is our homeland, we have allied nations that are considered our friends and family. When our friends and family members are in danger, we support them until they are able to support themselves. Japan has been stricken beyond belief as we all know. It has been a month and recovery efforts continue.

               American traditions and values encourage citizens to perform good deeds. According to the Signature series, a good deed performed is a deed worth being praised for. This thought led to the existence of religion and government to promote good and steer clear away from the bad in life. Assisting Japan directly connects to the concept of doing good deeds.

               In addition to doing a good deed, the support that Japan is receiving from others and myself, correlates with being responsible citizens. Any and every effort that is made to support our allies, is contributing to the good of our society. Most of all, I feel proud to be an American whenever there is a crisis situation that I can be a part of. It is especially heartfelt when helping out means more than raising money and you can actually be where the crisis took place. Furthermore, America’s vision and values is what allows our country to maintain our superpower status.

Operation Pacific Passage

               As earthquakes triggered tsunami waves in the country of Japan, the United States Armed Forces prepared instantaneously to provide comfort and care to our allied family.  Although Tsunami warnings were sent throughout the nation of Japan, thousands of people suffered injuries, loss their lives, homes, and everything they ever knew to the 77ft waves that pounded ashore. Over a hundred thousand buildings were damaged and destroyed. Millions of survivors were left without food as well as electricity throughout the nation. The nation itself totaled losses accumulating to over billions of dollars. What can you do to support Japan? Stop by your nearest Red Cross or any foundation that is sponsoring the unfortunate natural disaster and provide assistance.

               As for me, I have actively partaken in Operation Pacific Passage with a start date of 24 March 2011. Operation Pacific Passage is a joint military operation in support of families arriving to the United States from Japan. Service members located in California and surrounding states provided assistance as needed once the families arrived on U.S. soil. For example, some members donated food, water, baby items and more. Also, volunteers assisted in providing transportation and carrying luggage. Anything volunteers could do to alleviate added stressors to returning families was done.

               Being a part of Operation Pacific Passage was definitely a breathtaking experience. Helping out people who lost everything and still managed to return with a positive attitude made me appreciate life as I know. Additionally, I will continue to support Japan by assisting with fundraisers through the Red Cross, as well as the Salvation Army. I selected this project because I took part in supporting Hurricane Katrina. I saw firsthand what it was like for Americans to lose everything. It inspired me to assist in any possible way for Japan.