Tomorrow the first of many FedEx charter flights loaded with relief supplies will be touching down in the Dominican Republic – delivering desperately-needed medical equipment, food, water and other materials to the victims of Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake. Over the next several days, more than 155 tons of donated supplies will be shipped to Haiti via FedEx as part of our disaster relief efforts with organizations such as the American Red Cross, Heart to Heart International, Direct Relief International, Water Missions and World Vision.

Earlier this month I had the honor of presenting Phil Meadows, a courier in Bloomington, Minnesota, with the 35-year Purple Distinction Pin.  Phil began his distinguish career at Federal Express on November 4th in 1974. In addition to being the most tenured courier in the Northland District, Phil also achieved an accident free driving record for 33 years! With the intense focus that FedEx Express, and the entire FedEx network, has on safety, this is something to really commend him on.

By now you may have heard or seen reports that FedEx Express Flight 80 (MD-11) from Guangzhou to Narita was involved in a major incident upon landing. The incident occurred at about 2200Z, Sunday, March 22 (5 pm CST; just before 7 a.m. local time at Narita). Two crew members were onboard. Sadly, I have to share the terrible news that our flight crew did not survive. The loss pains all of us at FedEx. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of our crew. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.