U.S. military helps Haitian students return home

  • Published
  • By Justin Oakes
  • U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs
Miami, Fla. --  The aftermath from the earthquake in Haiti still resonates across the world, and for a small group of Haitians studying in the United States, only one priority remains-to return home and find their loved ones.

With the combined help of U.S. military services, seven Haitian coast guard members arrived in Miami, Jan. 23 to prepare for their home-bound flight from Homestead Air Reserve Base.

"This earthquake was devastating to the Haiti people," said Cmdr. Jeff Pashai, U.S. Coast Guard Southern Command liaison. "All the U.S. military services are working nonstop to provide relief and that includes doing our best to get these students back home quickly and safely."

Disaster struck for the Haitian coast guard members while studying at the Defense Language Institute at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas and Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, Va. The students are part of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency's International Military Education and Training program, which exposes foreign students to the U.S. professional military establishment and the American way of life to include democratic values, respect for individual and human rights and belief in the rule of law.

A few of the Haitians were fortunate enough to finish their training before the crisis, but for others the news was more than an interruption.

"I was just a few weeks from graduating," said Anderson Charlot, Haitian coast guard member and IMET student. "But, the only thing on my mind is getting back to Haiti as soon as possible."

Amidst the chaos that followed the earthquake, all of the students were successful in contacting their family members. While many of their familys' homes and businesses lay in ruins, the Haitian servicmembers were more than relieved to hear that their loved ones had survived.

"When I heard the news, my first thoughts were of my mother," said Nadia Jean-Louis, Haitian coast guard member and IMET student. "Nothing else mattered. I couldn't stop crying when I was able to hear her voice on the phone."

After the initial shock wore off and their families were contacted, the arduous task of how to get the students back home now remained.

"This was definitely a joint effort," said Joan Morgan, U.S. Southern Command Security Assistance Training Program specialist. "The students had an overwhelming amount of support the entire time. Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy and Army forces all took part in ensuring their safe return. From the military flights to the lodging to the personal escorts that stayed with them the entire time, we remained close by the sides of our international partners."

A flight from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. carried several of the students back to their home in Haiti, Jan. 24. Those who remained elected to stay behind until things settle down.

"I am very grateful for all the help the U.S. military has shown us," said Fritznel Gerbier, Haitian coast guard member and IMET student. "Going home would not be possible if not for their help."