Season for sharing: McConnell Airmen take care of own

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- --  In November, Americans usually enjoy Thanksgiving feasts, to show their appreciation of bounty and possession with family members and loved ones. Perhaps they may watch an afternoon of football on television, eventually blaming a snooze on a comfy recliner on the trypotphan, that sleep agent, found in their holiday turkey.

Thanks to the efforts of McConnell volunteers who came together, many families had a Thanksgiving dinner because they received free food baskets stuffed with festive holiday items, Nov. 20, at the base chapel.

The food basket program held by the Airman and Family Readiness Center, has been helping McConnell families for four years. What started out as a several-basket donation, and was run by the base credit union, turned into a larger project. This year, project participants and donators were able to put together 130 Thanksgiving baskets.

The program targets single Airmen, some young families and families with members who are deployed. Every basket was accounted for this year.

"Giving of ones self takes so little, yet brings so much to the lives of those who are served," said Master Sgt. Forrest Benedict, 22nd Mission Support Squadron and AFRC superintendent. "We had one individual who went all over the town looking for a turkey. Every store was sold out, or the turkey was too small," he said.

"That person finally found a turkey and brought it over well after the pick up time for the baskets," said Sergeant Benedict.

"People can read the news and see that the price of food has risen 10 to 15 percent from last year," said Alisa Norlin, 22nd Medical Group Family Advocacy Program. "This program can help those families that might be in a current financial bind, so they can enjoy the holiday."

While donations of bags and huge boxes of food were carried in by officers, enlisted members and civilian volunteers separated items and ran down check lists to see if every basket had specific items to make a more than traditional dinner. Turkeys rolled in by the dozens, potatoes by the sacks and apple cider by the gallons.

"Taking care of our Air Force family is important, especially during the holidays when we are away from home," said Master Sergeant Lisa Yarber, 22nd Mission Support Squadron and project volunteer. "Providing Thanksgiving baskets to our young families shows we truly care, and it is a wonderful tradition, which I hope will carry on for many years."

Program coordinators extend appreciation to those whose generosity stretched the holiday a little further for families.

"Leave no man behind doesn't just apply to the battle field," said Sergeant Benedict, "It is just as important in our own back yard."