Shaw's medical Airmen deploy to Haiti, assist in relief efforts Published Jan. 20, 2010 By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Along with many of Team Shaw's Airmen who are deploying or are deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, 15 Airmen here are deploying to Haiti to assist in the relief efforts from the earthquake catastrophe in support of Operation Unified Response. "We have 15 personnel that were tasked, 11 from the 20th Medical Operations Squadron, 3 from the 20th Aeromedical Squadron, 1 of whom was the squadron commander, and 1 20th Medical Group staff," said Mr. Richard Cox, 20th Medical Group readiness manager. One flight surgeon, Lt. Col. Timothy Pauling, and one independent-duty medical technician, Master Sgt. Darrel Mayers, left Jan. 19 and the rest are medical technicians who are expected to leave within the next few days, said Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Hooten, 20th Medical Group superintendent. They will be supporting the world effort for an expected six months. The medical technicians are health-care specialists who will be providing medical care to all that need it in Haiti, Sergeant Hooten added. They are basically a recovery ambulance team and will primarily be doing patient retrieval throughout Haiti. "The Airmen deploying there are extremely excited to participate in this humanitarian mission," Sergeant Hooten said. "They want the opportunity to utilize what they have been trained to do and show the world that we are not all about military might, but to provide support in this world effort during Haiti's time of need." "We have the best medics in the Air Force and I consider myself very fortunate to be able to work with such a high caliber of people," Mr. Cox said. "They always go above and beyond and are ready to meet any challenge." For information on donations or to volunteer, go to USAID or Defense.gov/Haiti.