Deployed Airman volunteers during his free time Published Aug. 4, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Rachel Martinez 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Senior Airman Devon Cross, 319th Comptroller Squadron, recently returned from a deployment to Bagram, Afghanistan. While deployed, Airmen usually use their free time to relax from the increased mission tempo, but Airman Cross chose to use his free time differently. He volunteered to help unload patients from UH-60 Blackhawks. Airman Cross would arrive at the hospital on base after his shift for the day was over, and wait for the signal to gear up and meet the helicopter. The protective gear included latex gloves, hearing protection and eye protection. When the Blackhawks landed, Airman Cross and his team would position themselves on the edge of the helicopter pad waiting for the gesture to rush forward and begin unloading the patients. Once the gesture was given to the team, Airman Cross' team would approach the helicopter. The doors on the Blackhawk would open simultaneously and the medical staff aboard would motion to the team which patients needed to be removed first. The team would lift the gurney out and place it on the stretcher; they proceeded to strap the patient in. After the patient was secure, the team would rush the patient into the emergency room for treatment. Airman Cross helped patients, which included U.S. and Coalition forces and local nationals. Out of the 16 patients Airman Cross assisted, only one passed away.