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Cleburne couple share Haiti relief story

The Sunday following the earthquake in Haiti, we sat in a pew in far off Cleburne hoping to find a way that we could help the people of Haiti.

In Georgia, at about the same time, our son-in-law received a phone call; "Colonel Salisbury, your 700th Airlift Squadron is being put on alert. You will deploy from Dobbins AFB, to Homestead AFB, Florida. The 700th will be air dropping medical supplies, water, food, structures, vehicles, and equipment because the airport in Port au Prince is overloaded.  A few hours later two C-130s and two crews were on their way. David's real job as a pilot for ASA was put on indefinite hold — he is now not only Squadron Commander, but Mission Commander and pilot.  

They flew to Homestead AFB, picked up the cargo that had already been prepackaged for airdrop and headed for Haiti, pushing their precious cargo out the rear of the Hercules. Parachutes took it safely to earth and the people waiting below. All went well. Back to Homestead for more. Soon they had airdropped all the cargo waiting at Homestead.

Our daughter spoke to David early Wednesday morning. He called from Pope AFB, North Carolina, where he was having breakfast with a gentleman known only as "Bubba." They were scheduled to take an early-morning planeload of soldiers to Haiti, but had been delayed due to the quadrupled traffic at Port au Prince Airport. David is probably airborne by now. He will be flying relief supplies at least for the rest of the week.  

My eyes well with tears of gratitude and respect as I relay this news to our pastor Robert Herzig. Colonel David H. Salisbury serves not only this country, but also the people of Haiti. Pastor Herzig’s message that Sunday, “If you have done it for the least of them, then you have done it also for me” is now ever more meaningful.  

Please continue to pray for the safety and service of our military.