Air base and Red Cross plan Thursday training exercise

VIENNA

The 910th Airlift Wing and American Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley are teaming up to conduct a mock aircraft crash disaster training event. The “Feel the Heat” event is scheduled to kick off at 3:10 p.m., Thursday.

The training event will consist of the 910th Civil Engineer Fire Department responding to a mock aircraft crash and ensuing fire while the American Red Cross provides care and comfort to simulated survivors.

The scenario is designed to demonstrate the high level of readiness of the air station’s first responders and the everyday work of the area’s American Red Cross staff and volunteers who respond to the plight of those in need of their services in our community. An audience of invited guests and area media outlets is scheduled to be on hand to observe the exercise.

The 2015 edition of “Feel the Heat” has expanded from last year’s event. In addition to viewing the exercise, invited observers will also have the opportunity to walk through the YARS smoke house (a fire department training facility) as well as tour the 910th Airmen and Family Readiness Family Assistance Center and the YARS Emergency Operations Center.

Col. James Dignan, 910th Airlift Wing commander, said the exercise is the latest example of continuing opportunities for the 910th Airlift Wing to team up with community agencies to share resources and receive mutually beneficial and potentially life-saving training.

The training exercise, which is also designed to showcase the partnership between the military and the Red Cross, is an Air Force Community Partnership Program event. The AFPCP, which has been ongoing at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio since June 23, 2014, is designed to identify and develop mutually beneficial partnerships between Air Force installations and surrounding communities.