Denton Program benefits needy people around the globe Published July 14, 2011 By By Maj. Don Traud, 2nd Lt. Zachary Anderson and Sandra Pishner Air Force Reserve Command Video, Photo & Writing Workshop attendees JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Jim Bailey helps impoverished people around the world by helping to get donated clothing, food and medical supplies delivered to Latin America, Afghanistan and other countries in need. Mr. Bailey manages logistics for the Denton Program at Joint Base Charleston. The program allows non-government organizations to transport donated humanitarian goods and equipment on space-available military cargo aircraft. Established in 1985 as an amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act by former Alabama senator and Vietnam POW Jeremiah Denton, the program strives to assist NGOs in easing human suffering while also supporting U.S. foreign policy. A career-Air Force aerial port specialist who retired from active duty two years ago here, Mr. Bailey is well-suited for the job. Before leaving active duty, he provided quality assurance on dozens of humanitarian airlift missions to Latin America and worked closely with local officials and U.S. embassies. "I've worked as the Denton manager [as a contract civilian] since I retired in August 2009," Mr. Bailey said. He coordinates logistics with Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units to deliver donated goods to Charleston. Then, he makes sure the goods are picked up, loaded and delivered to their final destination. The Denton Program keeps Mr. Bailey and the 437th Aerial Port Squadron busy. So far this year, more than a half million pounds of humanitarian goods and eight vehicles were delivered around the world. The donated goods come from a variety of sources. For example, an ambulance was donated recently by the Rotary Club from Athens, Ga. and is destined for Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. The airlift mission went out this morning, Mr. Bailey said. Other humanitarian items include agricultural products and equipment. Most of the airlift support for Denton is provided by Air Force Reserve flying units. The 315th Air Mobility Wing is scheduled to deliver water purification units and 10 pallets of rice to Honduras in July. It's a long trail from picking up donated goods somewhere in the U.S. and taking them to their delivery destination. The process starts with a request from a donor, Mr. Bailey explained. Once the donor is approved, Mr. Bailey posts the requests to all airlift units. When a flying unit and aerial port commit to moving the cargo, he coordinates logistics for cargo preparation and delivery. Typically, the processing time takes four to six weeks with cargo transportation and delivery anywhere from two weeks to several months after that. For example, when a donated vehicle arrives at Charleston, the process for delivery is just beginning. Aerial porters work behind-the-scenes to ensure it is delivered safely and in working order. Most of the smaller donated supplies are packed onto pallets, making it easier for loading and unloading. A few items, like vehicles, require specialists to prepare them for shipment. "We shipped an ambulance to Haiti. That presented a challenge, because we wanted it to arrive in working order," said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Crowe, a load planner with the 437th APS. Sergeant Crowe has worked with the Denton Project since 2009 and has overseen shipment of vehicles from fire trucks to tractors. "The ambulance's axels had to be shored up, otherwise they would start bending under the g-forces during flight and break," he said. Although donated goods are packaged onto identical-looking pallets, the precious cargo is anything but ordinary for the airmen responsible for its safe delivery. "Although they look like a bunch of boxes, I know it's critical that someone a world away receives it," said Staff. Sgt. Duane Olds, a load planner with the 437th APS. Mr. Bailey and the aerial porters that plan, load and deliver the donated items realize their efforts often mean life or death for the recipients. "This job is so gratifying to me," he said, "and a daily reminder that the American people are truly the most generous people in the world."