An Army of Airmen ring in the new year by giving

  • Published
  • By By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Harris
  • Air Force Reserve Command Human Resources Development Council, 10th AF Junior Noncommissioned Office
Smiles were all around and often a high-five or a chuckle snuck out when parents let their children insert money into the Salvation Army's red kettle often seen at stores during the holidays.

For the fifth year in a row, a growing Army of Airmen from here could be seen throughout Melbourne, Fla. ringing in the holidays at several charitable organizations, to include ringing the SA bell.

Fourteen Airmen from the 45th Space Wing and 920th Rescue Wing supported the 920th RQW's Human Resources Developmental Council Outreach program by devoting nearly 70 off-duty man-hours over the span of five days to assist those in need.

From distributing donated toys to less-fortunate children, to serving dinner on Christmas Day, both volunteers and recipients alike felt rewarded with the true meaning of the holidays.

"The most heartfelt moment for me was when a lady came for a bike for her son and was told they didn't have it. She said that was the only thing her son asked for, and 'it broke my heart,'" said Tech. Sgt. Francine Torres, 920th Maintenance Squadron.

"I tried to calm her down and reassure her, but finally, one of the workers found and brought out a bike for her. She started to cry, and so did I." said Sergeant Torres.

It was also rewarding to watch children do the giving said one Airman. "[It] was a wonderful experience. While the older folks were always gracious, the best reactions came from the children who would run up to the red kettle and carefully (even sometimes quite meticulously) place each coin or bill they had into the opening of the donation pot," Said Tech. Sgt. Brian Wahlstedt, 920th RQW.

The volunteers received a lot of gratitude. "This volunteer opportunity was a great chance to give back to the community. We had a great working relationship with the Salvation Army officers and other volunteers. [Recipients] thanked me for what I was doing," said Staff Sgt. Blakely Eckert, 45th Range Management Squadron.

Another Airman shared the same sentiment. "Some of the people that cried got me a little 'choked up'. It felt good to help people in this economy... and I know if I needed help that organizations [like this] are out there helping," said Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Rommelfanger, 45th RMS.

Thanks to the coordination of the 920 RQW HRDC Current and Future Force Working Groups, Airmen were given the opportunity to volunteer with the Salvation Army of Melbourne during the 2010 holiday season.

Many thanks to the following individuals who participated: Capt. Anita Young, Master Sgt. Stephen Kightlinger, Tech. Sgts Jennifer Harris, Kenneth Rommelfanger, Kelly Schmidt, Jason Simos, Francine Torres and Brian Wahlstedt and Staff Sgts. Sandra Bell, Blakely Eckert, Marquita Moran and Christine Varela, and civilians Ms. Jamilla Young and Mr. Louis Fiore.

The 920th RQW is a combat-search-and-rescue wing with 1,500 Airmen in a variety of capacities who support its mission of saving lives. It's one of the most-deployed Reserve units in the U.S.

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