D-M, community embody wingman culture in holiday season

  • Published
  • By Airman Saphfire D. Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  "Two years ago a section NCOIC and I delivered gifts to one of his NCO's. While I knew this NCO drove a very modest sedan and had three young children at home I had no idea how tough things were behind the scenes," said Master Sgt. Trevor L. James, 612th Air and Space Operations Center first sergeant. "When we arrived we discreetly asked him to step outside of his work center, and we showed him the gifts that had been donated to his family. He was immediately overwhelmed. As this hardened maintainer fought back tears he disclosed that he had told his children that they were going to have to skip Christmas this year. He was so grateful that his children would now have presents to open on Christmas morning. To this date that is one of the most heart-warming memories I can recall. It's truly amazing the good that charitable people can do for others in their time of need."

As first sergeant for the 612th AOC and a member of the D-M First Sergeants' Council, Sergeant James has seen first-hand the joy that family-aid programs can bring to deserving people.

D-M has many programs to assist Airmen in need and during the holiday season, when Airmen and families need help the most, base-aid volunteer programs are at their busiest.

For holiday aid, D-M covers everything from Thanksgiving delights in the belly to Christmas treasures under the tree.
In November, the D-M First Sergeants' Council raids its Operation Warmheart bank account to purchase $25 Commissary gift certificates, dubbed "Thanksgiving vouchers," to help ease costs of a delicious Thanksgiving meal for Airmen and their families.

"Each D-M first sergeant will solicit requests of needy airmen from their unit work centers, and a voucher is then presented to them the week prior to Thanksgiving," said Master Sgt. Randall D. Boldt, 355th Fighter Wing first sergeant.

Holiday season help doesn't stop there, the base chapel holds the "Angel Tree" program in December for children from needy families.
Fully-decorated Christmas trees set-up near the Base Exchange entrances hold cards with the names of needy children. Customers can pick a name, purchase gifts for the child, then place the gifts under one of the trees. Unit first sergeants ensure that the yuletide surprises reach their destinations.

"This is a great time of the year for the first sergeants because we have an opportunity to give something back to the Airmen and help out a family that's given so much to the Air Force already," said Master Sgt. John M. Badey, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "That makes it all worth it at the end of the day."

The hard work and sacrifices made by these families are not only recognized by D-M.

"The benefits to our Airmen are overwhelming," said Master Sgt. Joshua S. Paul, 41st Electronic Combat Squadron first sergeant of one of the many local programs designed to help military families in need. "It shows our military families that the local community truly cares about them."

"The holiday season is a time to show one another how much we care and to truly embody our Wingman culture," said Col. John A. Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing commander. "There are many programs on and off base that present opportunities to reach out to our Airmen and their families. Thanks to all who are giving of their time, talent and treasure this holiday season and throughout the year."