United States Department of Defense

DOD TO TRANSPORT HUMANITARIAN AID TO CROATIA

The Department of Defense and the United Methodist Committee on Relief have joined forces to help the Croatian people. About 25 tons of medical supplies, pharmacueticals, blankets and computers are destined to be airlifted later this month from Dover AFB, Del., to Split, Croatia.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Humanitarian and Refugee Affairs (HRA) Patricia L. Irvin said the Department, in cooperation with other government agencies and within the limits of its resources, understands and strives to fulfill its responsibility to help alleviate suffering throughout the world. She said the Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) is often the most economical means available to local charitable organizations to transport donated goods to foreign countries for humanitarian purposes.

Under the 1986 DOD Authorization Act, HRA is authorized to transport non-lethal excess property, relief supplies and privately donated cargo to meet humanitarian needs worldwide. Over the past two years, 370 transportation missions have been accomplished to more than 50 countries.