Tango Whiskey Squadron’s areas of service
Rapid Airborne Disaster Response
After the 2020 earthquakes rocked Puerto Rico, Tango Whiskey Squadron launched Airborne Response missions to south Puerto Rico transporting disaster response teams and thousands of pounds of supplies. This was possible thanks to Tradewind Aviation’s partnership, generously allowing us to operate their PC-12’s. The Rapid Airborne Response(RADR) model proved effective giving medical & Disaster Response teams maximum time on the ground during daylight hours and moving many much needed supplies to those that needed it most.
In August 2021 after the magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti, the Rapid Airborne Disaster Response division sent an aircraft to Haiti on a multiple day deployment thanks to our partnership with SOL Relief. Over nine NGO’s received air support including World Central Kitchen, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, World Hope International, Team Rubicon, and others. The operation delivered over 33,000 pounds of food , rescue gear, medications, and surgical equipment to the disaster zone. Additionally, 12 critical patients were MEDIVAC’d to safety. A few weeks later, another PC-12 was sent back to Haiti for a two day operation delivering thousands of pounds of food under World Central Kitchen.
Water FIlter & Solar Light Deliveries
Due to the fragile power grid in Puerto Rico, lack of electricity and clean water has been a long standing problem. Often, residents will go for days without power. Tango Whiskey Squadron has sought to address this need by delivering water filtration systems and solar lamps to communities most impacted by power outages, especially in the rural areas. Thanks to our partnership with Together Puerto Rico who has helped us acquire filters and solar lights, we have been able to impact many communities.
Earthquake Relief
Post January earthquakes in Puerto Rico, we launched multiple missions to South Puerto Rico delivering food, medical supplies, hygiene equipment, survival gear, water, and blankets. In addition we brought medical teams to provide first aid and assessments to the earthquake victims.
Tool Deliveries
Thanks to Stanley Black & Decker’s partnership, we have delivered thousand of dollars worth of tools to communities in rural Puerto Rico. The tools are used for house repair, community upkeep, and ongoing disaster recovery projects.
Tres Reyes (Three Kings Day)
One of our favorite annual missions is sponsoring Tres Reyes. Following the age old tradition of the Three Wise Men delivering gifts every year to children, we have been honored to carry on the tradition in many towns around Puerto Rico. Our volunteers dress up as the three Wise Men and go from house to house delivering gifts and partaking in the community events commemorating the day.
House Repairs
Partnering with Endeavors Puerto Rico, we have repaired homes damaged by Hurricane Maria. Due to either missing paperwork or other reasons, the homeowners were unable to receive government funding for their house repairs, so they rely on the goodwill of nonprofits to assist their needs.
Food & School Supply Drives
Hunger is a real problem facing many Puerto Ricans. Over the years we have addressed this need by running food drives, focusing on the rural areas of Puerto Rico. In addition, many school children in Puerto Rico do not have access to the tools they need for the education they deserve. We have supported such children by delivering school supplies to hold them through the year.
Medical Clinics & Hygiene Supplies
Lack of access to healthcare has been a growing problem in south Puerto Rico, especially since the 2020 earthquakes. We address this problem by assisting partner organizations and volunteer health care professionals run mobile clinics. A crucial part of physical wellbeing is adequate hygiene. Sadly, many people do not have the means to access personal hygiene products, so we have focused on delivering hygiene kits to those in need. Another acute need we are focusing on in the future is mental health .