Special thanks for Va. Task Force 2

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Members of Virginia Task Force 2 helped pull a United Nations (UN) worker from the rubble after the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Jens Kristensen was trapped for five days before finally being pulled from remains of the UN building in Port au Prince.

Kristensen wanted to do more than just say thanks, he wanted to learn more about the group that gave him back his life. So he made a special stop in Virginia Beach to personally thank those who helped save his life.

"What you guys are doing is extremely appreciated by everyone you save," Kristensen said.

Kristensen wanted to learn more about the group who less than two months ago saved his life.

Kristensen was working in his office on the 3rd floor of the UN building in Port au Prince Haiti January 12 when the devastating quake struck.

"There was a little bit of shake first for four five seconds, then four, five seconds later came the major shake. In that split second I slid under the table," Kristensen continued.

That table saved his life from the crushing debris surrounding him.

"I was trapped like in a coffin. I had like maybe space 5 feet length, a foot and half width."

Kristensen banged on that table each time he heard a noise. On the morning of the fifth day, members of the Virginia Task Force 2 shouted back.

"You need to take every single chance you have to establish contact and every chance you have to call attention and never give up hope. I made the effort, knocked on the leg of the table and shouted out and someone heard me."

He listened over the next seven hours as team members slowly worked their way to finding him -- finally freeing him from the rubble.

For Kristensen a simple "thank you" was never going to be enough, so through emails with a team member he arrainged a visit.

"I think it was interesting for him to come and see what it takes to get 80 people and 19 pounds of gear to Haiti to perform rescues. I think he was surprised," said one team member.

And grateful that a group of dedicated men and women would give up so much to give back to others.

"I think that what they do in terms of the dedication to leave everything behind, jump on a truck, jump on plane and go out and save lives is so incredible," Kristensen said.

While in Haiti, Virginia Task Force 2 members also rescued two trapped children.