ScAirmen find frightening ways to volunteer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Betty R. Chevalier
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. - --  Airmen from D-M received the opportunity to rack up volunteer hours in October by helping out at a local farm.

More than 100 military members helped during Buckelew Farm's "Terror in the Corn"; dressing up in costumes, providing security, and helping with make-up and moving props.

Master Sgt. Manolito Carrabis, 355th Civil Engineering Squadron readiness and emergency management flight superintendent, lead the volunteer opportunity for Airmen.

"I have known Laura Buckelew for a few years and worked in a handful of Haunted houses in my career," said Carrabis. "I asked her if the family would consider using military members as the actors."

Normally, the farm hires people to fill these rolls. This is the first year that a large group of Desert Lightning Team members have volunteered at the farm.

"We had our concerns with volunteers keeping the positions staffed since there was no financial motivation for the actors," said Amy Buckelew Owen, one of the organizers for "Terror in the Corn". "For us, having Manny is what made it work. He has gotten people here every night and it has been a huge relief for us."

As volunteers, the Airmen are raising money for their squadron. Buckelew Farm is making donations to squadron booster clubs since volunteers meant they did not have to pay actual actors.

"In the end, I will have volunteered over 60 hours," said Senior Airman Joshua Cedeño, 355th Comptroller Squadron customer service technician. "All those hours will help my squadron raise money for our upcoming holiday party."

Carrabis is already working with the Buckelew's to set up next year's "Terror in the Corn" as well as another volunteer opportunity.

"At the start of the night it was only another volunteer opportunity, but by the end the actors were having a blast and wanted to come back again," said Carrabis. "When you see someone get scared so bad they run away or fall over, it makes it all worth the hours we put in."

For more information about activities offered by Buckelew Farm, visit www.buckelewfarm.com.