World Affairs Council Recognizes USTRANSCOM as Humanitarian of Year

ST. LOUIS - The World Affairs Council of St. Louis recognized the efforts of the U.S. Transportation Command, led by Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, June 9, with the organization’s inaugural International Humanitarian of the Year Award.

 The organization’s top award, presented during a reception at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis, honors USTRANSCOM for its humanitarian and disaster relief efforts during several devastating crises that captured the world’s attention. These include the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011, the Pakistan flood in January 2011 and the massive earthquake that rocked Haiti in 2010.

 “It is a true honor to recognize the outstanding and inspiring humanitarian efforts that USTRANSCOM and Gen. Duncan J. McNabb have provided to tens-of-thousands people throughout our world,” said Robert A. Fischer, executive director of the World Affairs Council of St. Louis. “These efforts have saved countless lives and brought much needed relief to devastating circumstances. USTRANSCOM’s support captures the spirit of our organization’s inaugural International Humanitarian of the Year Award.  We have the perfect organization to be our first recipient.”

After receiving the award, McNabb addressed the crowd.

“The great team of 145,000 people...all I have to do is unleash them.  (They) go take care of Haiti.  (They) go help Japan in their time of need, and they respond with such speed and compassion. 

"Without hope, your soul dies, McNabb added.  “And that's the compassion and heart of the American people.  We deliver hope."

The World Affairs Council of St. Louis bestowed the recognition as part of its inaugural International Humanitarian of the Year Award ceremony.

USTRANSCOM, located at Scott Air Force Base, was established in 1987 and is one of 10 unified commands. As the single manager of America’s global defense transportation system, USTRANSCOM is tasked with the coordination of people and transportation assets to allow our country to project and sustain forces for as long as they are needed.