LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Pairing friendly competition with the season of giving proved to be a successful formula for the 439th Supply Chain Operations Squadron bomber mission capable flight. The Airman started a 30-day canned-food drive that began Nov. 13 and ended Dec. 13.
Airmen collected more than 2,740 cans were collected during the short time frame. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Eastern Virginia Food Bank in an effort to support local community members for the holiday season, boosting morale for the 439th SCOS family.
"It's the season of giving, and we wanted to support our local community" said Senior Airman Eric Burks, 439th SCOS bomber mission capable technician. "Our flight was very motivated, which made the event a friendly competition and a definite morale booster."
The flight split into four teams to see which could collect the most food. By the end of the month-long challenge, thousands of canned goods lined the office halls, occasionally spilling into Service members' cubicles.
"It wasn't just the effort of one member, it was the entire team," said Burks. "Everyone came together to make this event possible."
The winning team raised a total of 949 items and received a hand-made soup can trophy along with bragging rights for the year. The runners-up raised 561 items and sang "Jingle Bells" to the flight while dressed in holiday costumes, keeping the spirit of the season alive.
"Even though my section lost the community won," said Burks. "But this time next year, I plan on winning that trophy."