2019 Military/Law Enforcement “Heroes: Rescue Coordination Center & 210RQS” Sponsored by: Walmart

Alaska Rescue Coordination Center and 210 RQS - Lt Col Keenan Zerkel (Aircraft Commander), Capt Colt Nelson (Co-Pilot), TSgt Vance Streeter (Special Mission Aviator), TSgt Duncan Harris (Special Mission Aviator), TSgt Sonny Carlos (PJ Team Lead), and SSgt Cameron Harter (PJ)

In late April 2018, a massive windstorm with sustained winds of 60 mph and wind gusts recorded over 100 mph rocked Southcentral Alaska. This windstorm left two people stranded on Powell Glacier and three hunters in a separate party were forced to hunker down in the Alaska Range. Survival gear for all five individuals had been blown away, leaving them exposed to the harsh and unforgiving Alaska weather. What began as single complex search and rescue mission to aid the hunting party quickly evolved into two complex search and rescue missions in near whiteout conditions as the other stranded party on Powell Glacier stated in their own words, "We will not last through the night." AFR 471 would have to battle hurricane force winds while attempting to rescue the hunting party and AFR 467 would attempt a high-risk nighttime glacier landing while also battling extremely high winds. The crew of AFR 467 flew nine hours and refueled four times. The world class search and rescue planning by the RCC, combined with the heroic aviation effort of the 210 RQS, ensured that five distressed individuals were rescued from the unforgiving grip of the Alaskan wilderness.