LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
In an era of uncertainty, riddled with bleak economic forecasts and looming cuts to defense spending, the spirit of giving is alive and well in Langley Air Force Base's First Sergeant's Council.
The council rolled out its annual Operation Warm Heart food drive in November, a program that provides complete Thanksgiving dinners to eligible junior enlisted Airmen and their families during the holiday season.
More than 300 volunteers from across the installation dedicated time to collecting food and monetary donations, organizing and packing baskets, and delivering the bundles to families.
According to Master Sgt. Ryan McCauley, the 633rd Air Base Wing Staff Agencies first sergeant, volunteers manned a table at the entrance of the Langley commissary to collect donations. Throughout the store, a variety of food items, including stuffing, pie and cornbread mix among other Thanksgiving staples, were marked with tags denoting them as needed items for OWH baskets. Patrons could purchase these items and donate them immediately at the store entrance.
Alternatively, patrons had the option of donating money in lieu of listed goods. At the end of the donation period, volunteers used the collected funds to purchase the remaining goods required to assemble balanced, complete Thanksgiving baskets.
Master Sgt. Kelly Moose, the 1st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, said the council hopes to distribute 500 baskets annually, having delivered 505 in 2010.
McCauley said first sergeants coordinate with supervisors to identify Airmen that would benefit most from the baskets.
"It's not that these Airmen are 'needy,' but these basket will make their holiday a little bit easier, allowing them to enjoy a no-kidding Thanksgiving meal," he explained, "whereas they would've trimmed off sides, perhaps not even having a turkey, or even going out to eat. We want to provide this meal for those where making a Thanksgiving dinner may not have been in the budget."
Both McCauley and Moose called Operation Warm Heart, "one of the most important things we do."
"It makes an impact. It reminds our Airmen that people are looking out for them," McCauley explained. "It can be a challenge, especially in today's economy, as some families have unemployed spouses or find it not cost-effective to get childcare.
"We know that's difficult," he continued. "This is a way to say 'we know what you go through all year long and were thinking about you this holiday season.'"
The program goes beyond providing Thanksgiving meals to Airmen and their families. The non-profit is established to distribute charitable funds to Langley families throughout the year. While the majority of funding is distributed to families during the holiday season, primarily Thanksgiving and Christmas, loans can be made to Airmen in emergency situations where other avenues are unavailable.
This year, the council organized a temporary food bank on base to set aside extra non-perishable food donations.
"Last year, we delivered 1,500 lbs. of food to the Peninsula Food Bank," said Moose. "We will still deliver some items to them this year; however, we will save some non-perishable items for additional Langley needs as they arise."
Most inspiring to McCauley was the outpouring of affection and consideration from Langley's Commissary patrons, particularly the retiree community.
"The retirees come in, they see us, and they know what this is. They understand, and don't even ask questions, immediately digging in and donating, being sure to thank each volunteer for helping out Airmen," McCauley said. "That tells me not much has changed, and that people understand what military families have to go through, especially during the holiday season. Even these people on fixed incomes recognize its importance and chip in. They truly maintain the bond with today's active duty men and women."