'Twas the season to give

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Harris
  • 920th Rescue Wing
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Air Force Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing (RQW) Human Resources Development Council's (HRDC) Current and Future Force Working Groups coordinated with the Salvation Army of Melbourne, Fla., during the 2009 holiday season. This is the fourth consecutive year that members from the 920th RQW volunteered their time to help with Salvation Army community outreach efforts.

Fourteen individuals supported the Wing's HRDC Outreach program by devoting nearly 80 man-hours over the span of three days to assist those in need. From distributing donated toys to parents and guardians of less-fortunate children, to setting up, serving, and cleaning up dinner on Christmas Day, both volunteers and recipients alike felt rewarded with the true meaning of the holidays.

Staff Sgt. Greg Lee, reservist with the maintenance group, summarized his experience, "In the beginning, I felt a bit uncomfortable, but as the day progressed so did my comfort level. Being able to see so many people who are "down and out" talking and smiling was a good feeling. Volunteering with the Salvation Army was a shared experience. I gave my time and energy to help the less fortunate, and in turn received a bit of the Christmas Spirit."

Senior Airman Stacie Greer, operations group reservist, shared the same sentiment, "It was a great time that warms the heart not only for the volunteers, but for the ones in need receiving. It's heart breaking to see so many in need during the holidays, but yet so giving when you can help them feel cared about, thought about and not forgotten during the holidays."

"The purpose of the Air Force Reserve Command Human Resources Development Council (HRDC) is to advise and make recommendations to the Commander, Air Force Reserve (AFRC/CC), as well as the subordinate Numbered Air Force and Wing Commanders, on any and all matters pertaining to human resources within the Command. Its areas of interest include, but are not limited to: force development, diversity, mentoring, recognition, community outreach, assignments, and promotion opportunities. The overall goal is to create and maintain a fully developed, skilled, motivated, enthusiastic, and diverse workforce, thereby facilitating the Command's realization of its Vision of an "Unrivaled Wingman," says Keith D. Kries, Brig. Gen., Vice Chair, Air Force Reserve Command HRDC.

Many thanks to the following individuals who participated in this 920th RQW HRDC Outreach event while contributing to the betterment of our community: Capt Nita Young, Senior Master Sgt.'s Bruce Lininger and Randolph Wells, Master Sgt.'s Shane Smith and Scott Spangler, Tech. Sgt.'s Kelly Schmidt and Jennifer Harris, Staff Sgt.'s Greg Lee and Ron Brandt, Senior Airman Stacie Greer, Airman First Class Henrietta Hurd and Lauren Campbell, and civilians Lou Fiore and Thomas Asel.