Volunteers needed for drill

WALLA WALLA – Volunteers are needed this week to help organize and label 30,000 pounds of food that will be part of a large-scale disaster airlift response drill on Saturday at Walla Walla Regional Airport. Approximately 60 general aviation aircraft will be flying into Walla Walla to participate in Thunder Run, which simulates what will need to happen during a real emergency in the Pacific Northwest.

The general aviation pilots will load up on non-perishable and perishable foods and return to various bases throughout Western Washington and Oregon.

“It will be close to the 30,000 pounds we expect to dispense to various food banks and tribes in the Pacific Northwest,” Susan Chlarson with the Walla Walla Disaster Airlift Response Team, better known as DART, explained.

Chlarson said during the November floods in Whatcom and Island counties and southern British Columbia, DART pilots flew food and medical supplies into isolated areas. Flood damaged roads and bridges required supplies to be airlifted in.

“Our years of drills and organization allowed for immediate assistance before government organizations were mobilized,” she said.

The Port of Walla Walla, which owns and operates Walla Walla Regional Airport is supportive of the upcoming DART drill.

“These drills are crucial in training and planning for real life emergencies,” Manager Jennifer Skoglund said. “In the event of an actual emergency the movement of persons and goods is critical, and our local airports and general aviation aircraft and pilots can mobilize and help during these situations.”

Anyone willing to help organize and label the food being airlifted this Saturday or who wants more information about Walla Walla DART can send a message through the Walla Walla Wings Facebook page.

File photo of 2021 Walla Walla DART drill

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Elkhorn Media Group

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