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Published Tuesday, March 09, 2010 in Local

Newnan man's grandson helped in disaster relief

By STAFF SGT. CHRISTOPHER HOLMES

Special to Times-Herald

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- When a magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastated the island nation of Haiti, the grandson of a Newnan man was among those who stepped in to help rush medical supplies, food and water to the region.

Air Force Reserve First Lt. Michael G. Terrell, grandson of Gene Terrell of Murphy Road, Newnan, is a C-130 pilot with the 440th Airlift Wing at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., who worked tirelessly to make sure the people of Haiti received the assistance they needed.

"I assisted in delivering supplies and troops to aid in the recovery efforts in Haiti," said Terrell, who received his Bachelor's of Business Administration degree from the University of West Georgia in 2005.

During the relief mission Terrell helped deliver more than 50,000 gallons of water, 375,000 meals ready to eat, 700 container delivery systems for air deliveries, and 200 pallets of supplies to Haiti.

"They are in great need at this time and it is a tremendous help for them because they have nothing," said Terrell. "Thousands have died, and thousands more would have also if it were not for the aid from other nations."

Thanks to Terrell, and other service members, tens of thousands of people in Haiti were able to survive in the weeks following the earthquake. Helping make a difference is something he feels is the right thing to do.

"The U.S. is a country built on great morals and beliefs. It is our job to help those who cannot help themselves and get them back on their feet," said Terrell.

Recent natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, the Pacific tsunami and the Haiti earthquake prove that Mother Nature rarely gives mankind a chance to prepare for her wrath. But for Terrell, and service members like him, helping pick up the pieces is always a short call away.

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Editor's Note: This article was provided through the military Joint Hometown News Service.

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