MEDIA ADVISORY, Feb. 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Operation USA will be airlifting 100 tons of pharmaceuticals, medical, shelter and nutritional supplies worth more than $7 million to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, en route to Sumatra's Aceh province, South Asia's region hardest hit by the December 26 tsunami.
Operation USA is L.A.'s leading international relief organization, fulfilling its mission of innovative, agile and "smart aid" in responding to the unprecedented tsunami disaster which has affected 11 countries in Asia. Polar Air/Atlas Air has provided the aircraft, fuel and handling at no cost to Operation USA; the non-stop flight will transport the cargo from LAX to the airport in Kuala Lumpur. The relief goods will then be transshipped to the tsunami-devastated Aceh region of Indonesia's island of Sumatra, to the communities of Banda Aceh and/or Medan. Burbank-based partner agency, Islamic Relief USA, will distribute the emergency goods. In addition to Operation USA's relief cargo, Brother's Brother Foundation, Latter-Day Saints Church, PBM Products/Bright Beginnings, Global Operations & Development, Farmers' Rice Cooperative and Ethos Water generously donated products. LAWA has also donated emergency relief materials, including shovels, axes and tarps.
WHAT: Local, national and international media is invited to view
the cargo, aircraft and interview officials with Operation
USA, LAX Airport Police and Islamic Relief Worldwide
WHO: Jonathan Estrin / Operation USA Board Chair
Sgt. Joaquin Mendez / Los Angeles World Airport Police
Dr. Mohamed Abul-Magd / Islamic Relief USA General Manager
WHEN: Wednesday, February 2, 2005 -- 9:00 AM
WHERE: Los Angeles International Airport
Polar Air/Continental Airlines Cargo Terminal
6041 West Imperial Highway, Los Angeles
DIRECTIONS, PARKING & SECURITY: Proceeding westbound on West Imperial, turn right at traffic signal at Hughes Way with signage indicating Polar Air / Continental Airlines Cargo area. Parallel parking available along fenceline opposite truck loading ramp. Proceed to Polar Air cargo door for media check-in and security clearance.