Air Force
Travis AFB airmen deliver about 55,000 pounds of humanitarian aid to Central America
Stars and Stripes
June 15, 2025
U.S. airmen assigned to the 21st Airlift Squadron and the 860th Maintenance Squadron pose with humanitarian aid recipients on a flight line at La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala, June 9, 2025. (Yasmeen Joachim Jordan/U.S. Air Force)
Airmen assigned to the 21st Airlift Squadron and 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., delivered humanitarian aid to Central America in Support of the Denton Program.
From June 6-9, the Travis aircrew delivered approximately 55,000 pounds of essential supplies to El Salvador and Guatemala, including non perishable food items, medical supplies, hygiene products, clothing and school equipment.
“I hope you know that there are 71 little girls in a rural village in Guatemala that are so incredibly blessed and who have access now to resources that otherwise they would never have,” said Molly Noonan de Martinez from Ceiba Vida International. “You all are changing lives, and we are very thankful for the Denton Program.”
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jericho Camasura, 21st Airlift Squadron loadmaster, directs a K-loader to a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., June 6, 2025. (Yasmeen Joachim Jordan/U.S. Air Force)
U.S. airmen assigned to the 437th Aerial Port Squadron load cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., June 6, 2025. (Yasmeen Joachim Jordan/U.S. Air Force)
Humanitarian relief cargo sits in a C-17 Globemaster III cargo bay en route to Central America, June 6, 2025. (Yasmeen Joachim Jordan/U.S. Air Force)
U.S. airmen load humanitarian cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., June 6, 2025. (Yasmeen Joachim Jordan/U.S. Air Force)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brian Dixon, 21st Airlift Squadron instructor loadmaster, observes the terrain during a flyover training over the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 5, 2025. (Yasmeen Joachim Jordan/U.S. Air Force)
The humanitarian cargo was received by local organizations, who will distribute the supplies to communities in need.
“It’s amazing seeing the cargo delivered into the hands of truly incredible people who are making a positive difference in the world,” said Capt. Emily Roeder, 21st AS C-17 pilot. “Missions like these ultimately help those who need it most.”
The crew navigated challenging weather conditions, including avoiding ash from a recent volcanic eruption in Guatemala, prompting rerouting and coordination with international agencies to ensure the successful delivery of cargo.
The Department of Defense’s Denton Program enables U.S. military aircraft to transport humanitarian cargo donated by U.S.-based non-governmental organizations to developing nations in need.