The Department of Defense has joined forces with Sister Cities International
and In Touch Mission International to move more than 21 tons of move
humanitarian supplies from communities in Iowa, Ohio, and Texas to help the
people of Poland. All supplies are destined for surface shipment within the
next 90 days.
Included in the shipments are more than 17,000 pounds of educational and
medical supplies collected by SCI and located in Tyler, Texas. Additionally,
ITMI will provide more than 25,000 pounds of wheelchairs, crutches and walkers
from locations in Rock Valley, Iowa and Canton, Ohio.
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.
