A Salute to the Men in Uniform

A unique partnership between the Pakistani Army and the U.S. military, is working around the clock in Pakistan.  The men in uniform have gone where no one else can. The U.S. department of state gave the following information today in a press release: 

"The U.S. also is providing millions of dollars of additional in-kind and technical assistance. We are expanding pre-existing programs in flood-affected areas, providing temporary bridges, and mobilizing significant U.S. military and civilian resources to rescue victims of the disaster and deliver needed supplies. U.S. military and civilian aircraft continue to support flood relief operations. Through August 22, these aircraft have evacuated 7,835 people and delivered more than 1,600,000 pounds of relief supplies."

"As Secretary Clinton announced August 18, the U.S. government, through the Department of State, has established the Pakistan Relief Fund for all to join in the tremendous relief, recovery and reconstruction effort. Individuals, corporations, and other organizations can send much needed help to the people of Pakistan by contributing to this fund at www.state.gov. In the U.S., individuals can send $10 through mobile phones by texting “FLOOD” to 27722."

While President Asif Zardari has been sleeping peacefully in his home, some 65,000 Pakistani Army troops have been working day and night in rescue and relief operations.  It's estimated that more than half a million people have been rescued thanks to the Pakistan Army.  With 55 helicopter from Pakistan, and 19 U.S. helicopters (as late as August 13, 2010), the rescue mission has reached many stranded Pakistanis.  Also, the number of boats used in the operation is estimated to be about 912.  The Pakistani Army has also dropped 4,500,000 kg of food and goods at various flooded areas. 

Thus far, a total of 440,928 halal meals have been delivered to civilian and military officials in Pakistan via the U.S. Air Force airlift.  The U.S. has also kindly delivered the following items to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):  18 Zodiac rescue boats, 6 water filtration units, 10 water storage bladders, 30 concrete-cutting saws, 12 pre-fabricated steel bridges and a 25kw generator.

A sincere thanks to the men in uniform, to the U.S. military and the Pakistani Army.  May you be successful in serving the 20 million Pakistanis affected by the flood.