Proud to Support Virginia Task Force 1's Venezuela Earthquake Response
Natural disasters can strike anywhere, often without warning, and wreak havoc. For rescue missions, the first 72 hours after a disaster are widely recognized as the golden window where survivors are most likely to be found alive.
When two powerful earthquakes struck the northern coast of Venezuela in late June, the U.S. Department of State and USAID mobilized Virginia Task
orce 1 (VA-TF1), Fairfax County’s elite disaster response unit.
The 80-person, six-dog team was deployed to respond to Venezuela's strongest earthquakes in over a century. The crew included search-and-rescue experts, structural engineers, and physicians.
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A Last-Minute Cancellation, A Fast Response
The task force needed to immediately reach Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to board their military transport flight. Late that evening, a last-minute transportation cancellation left the unit stranded in Northern Virginia. The emergency team then contacted Sunny’s Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, and our dispatch and operations teams worked quickly to transport the entire crew and their gear to the base.
We prepared the coaches, called back drivers who had already clocked out, and safely moved the team to Dover Air Force Base on time. Sunny’s also brought the heroes home to an emotional welcome from their families and the North Virginia Venezuelan community.
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Five Lives Saved
The task force reached the affected site within 48 hours and worked around the clock to rescue five survivors, which included a mother and her 9-month-old baby. For Sunny’s, this was so much more than a regular job. To even play a small role in this mission that saved lives is something we will always cherish.
A Humbling Recognition
On August 12, 2026, members of Virginia Task Force 1 invited our team to their facility to present Sunny’s Worldwide Transportation with a Certificate of Appreciation for Exceptional Support and Responsiveness. It was an extraordinary moment of pride to hear the crew reflect on how Sunny’s quick turnaround helped the rescue mission. For a company committed to public service, there is no greater honor.
Always Ready to Serve
At Sunny’s, we believe there is nothing more important than answering our community's call in a time of need. Our operations team is available 24/7, ready to respond
with professionally trained drivers whenever needed. We are deeply honored to have played a small part in the life-saving mission of Virginia Task Force 1.
Original Story: Emotional homecoming as Virginia Task Force 1 returns from Venezuela rescue mission