Airman in need thanks D-M, AF family

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joseph Paxton
  • 357th Aircraft Maintenance Unit
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  It is often said, you don't know what you have until you no longer possess it. On Feb. 21, my family and I lay victim to an apartment fire. We lost everything--most importantly were items of sentimental value. I held my wife and son close and assured them both that we lost nothing, and that we had each other. What I did not realize was how big my family actually was.

The next day my chief sent out an e-mail to the D-M Chief's Group: "Airman In Need." Within minutes, we received dozens of e-mails. The response to their e-mails was like an experience I have never imagined. On the Friday after the fire I received a donation from a captain from the 563rd Rescue Squadron and a civilian contractor from the 357th Fighter Squadron. I was at a loss for words. How could I possibly convey to them all the feelings I had? My chief patted me on the back and said, "Son, now isn't the time for pride. Please allow your Air Force family the opportunity to help you out."

In preparation for the Operational Readiness Inspection, everyone was at work. I brought my family in on Saturday during the ORI prep. My son was strapped in his stroller, and as I wheeled him in, his eyes lit up when he saw a "Big Wheel" sitting outside the office waiting for him. He was so happy.

I have received numerous monetary donations from across the base. My commander was able to procure two full sets of ABUs, and my first sergeant took them to Mardon's Sew Shop. Not only did they sew on all the patches right there, but they didn't even charge him and even offered a little donation of their own.

The chaplains were kind enough to let us use their facilities for a central location point for all the donations. By Monday, we were blessed by Team D-M with everything we could possibly need. Hundreds of you have poured out your hearts and prayers to provide donations to help out someone you have never met, and doing so only on the premise that you were answering a cry for help from a fellow Airman and his family.

Most of us are told from basic training the Air Force is a family. I did not believe this until I experienced it first hand. I could not have been more wrong! With my immediate family too far away to help us, my Air Force family, specifically Team D-M, heard our cry and came to our rescue. To see first hand how much good there is in this world and realize how much of a family we had, the entire time was unbelievable. It is with this realization that no matter how hard I try, I will not be able to personally thank all of you who came to our aid. I thank you Team D-M for coming together and keeping my family excuse me our family safe and secure.