DM participates in the United Way Days of Caring

  • Published
  • By Airman Saphfire D. Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Airmen from DM participated in the 11th annual United Way Days of Caring event held at various locations in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 11 and Sept. 15.

DM provided the United Way with more than 600 volunteers to work with 27 local non-profit organizations as part of the UWDC.

Fifty volunteers built a foot bridge for the Sahuaro Girl Scout Council Activity Center on Mount Lemmon.

DM airmen processed more than 2,300 boxes of food at the Community Food Bank.

"Their efforts produced 70,108 lbs (35 tons) of food for the elderly and disabled, as well as for church pantries that deliver boxes to the homeless," said Master Sgt. Charles A. Ruscetta, 355th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment flight chief.

Six elementary schools received quick facelifts when Airmen arrived with landscaping tools and more than 100 gallons of paint, refreshing buildings, fixtures, and playgrounds.

Other volunteers held down the home fort at the United Way office, acting as operators in the VITA phone-a-thon and creating banners for future events.

"Our Airmen really stepped up to meet this challenge and lend a helping hand to the community," said Col. Brian E. Hastings, 355th Fighter Wing vice commander. "One of our core values is service before self, and the participation in this event is a shining example of that."

The DM community also donated various supplies including paper, markers, crayons, paint, chalk, puzzles, board games and more than 250 children's books.