LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The Langley Air Force Base flight line baked in the sweltering Virginian sun June 28, as humidity reached an upwards of 90 percent. Whether directing an F-22 Raptor on the taxiway or moving munitions, only those working under the wing of a plane felt relief from the scorching rays.
Fortunately for the roasting Airmen, the Joint Base Langley-Eustis First Sergeant Council provided some relief to the over-cooked personnel.
The JBLE First Sergeant Council gave out cold drinks as a part of their Random Acts of Kindness event, one of the aspects of the ongoing Operation Warm Heart.
Master Sgt. Kelly Moose, 1st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, and Senior Master Sgt. Joshua Tidwell, 1st Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, were the agents of generosity for this particular OWH event.
Not only did flight line personnel receive refreshments, but Moose and Tidwell also went out to each and every base entry gate, as well as the shops on the flight line to quench thirst.
In addition to handing out drinks, the Langley first sergeants also handed out $50 commissary gift cards to Airmen, reminiscent of their fuel-card giveaway in March. (See the associated story in the link.)
OWH (an Air Force-wide initiative) does more than just Random Acts of Kindness. During their Thanksgiving Day fundraiser, Langley first sergeants raised about $16,000, and gave out roughly 400 dinner baskets that included everything from a turkey right down to the cranberry sauce, said Master Sgt. Ed Dierkens, 30th Intelligence Squadron first sergeant.
"It is a really cool program," said Dierkens. "It's all about giving back to the Airmen."
Operation Warm Heart's main mission is to provide grants to struggling Airmen. If an Airman is struggling financially, and needs cash for food, gas money or other necessities, the JBLE First Sergeant Council will evaluate the needs of the Airman, and can provide a grant to help during a time of need.
Locally, OWH is funded by the semi-annual First Sergeant 5K run/walks and by donations, such as the one held prior to their dinner basket give away.
The JBLE First Sergeant Council is scheduled to host another Random Acts of Kindness event in September, following their commissary fundraiser at the end of July, said Dierkens.