DLT members deliver meals to the homebound

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chris Massey
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 130 Desert Lightning Team members are registered, trained volunteers with Mobile Meals of Tucson, Inc., a volunteer-based, non-profit, community funded organization that delivers special diet meals to homebound adults in the Tucson area.
 
"The meal recipients really like it when military members deliver their meals because they appreciate how respectful and caring they are," said Priscilla Altuna, Mobile Meals executive director. "They also like the secure feeling of having uniformed volunteers show up at their door."

In addition to receiving two meals a day that fit their specified diet, clients also receive a safety and welfare check, as well as a social connection from the volunteer, Altuna said.

Staff Sgt. Robert Dudley, 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels administrator, has been volunteering with Mobile Meals for seven months and makes deliveries 2-3 times per month.

"This is a great opportunity for the DLT, because it allows us to reach out to those of the community in need," said Dudley. "When we deliver the meals, we could be the only person they may talk to for that day. This gives them a source to the outside world. You can see the impact it has on them knowing that we care enough to be there for them."

Jeanne Miller, Mobile Meals volunteer coordinator, said that she is really impressed with the volunteers from D-M.

"They've joined the Air Force and committed to the nation, but they're also showing their commitment to the Tucson community by taking their own time to leave the base and go out and serve the community that they live in," said Miller. "It's neat to see young people and Air Force members really wanting to help out and be a part of the community."

DLT members who register to volunteer with Mobile Meals go through a training process that includes shadowing another volunteer. They are then assigned to one of six routes within close proximity to D-M. Anyone interested in volunteering with Mobile Meals can call Miller at 520-622-1600.