'Thanks for Giving' helps Team Edwards families celebrate holidays

  • Published
  • By Laura Mowry
  • Staff Writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Seventeen years ago when Master Sgt. William Russell joined the Air Force he was starting a family of his own, and living on an Airman's salary meant money was tight during the holiday season. That's when Russell learned firsthand that the Air Force family takes care of its own.

The Russell family received a Thanksgiving basket that eliminated a financial burden and put more food on the table than they knew what to do with.

"We received a ham, turkey and all the sides to go with it. There was more food than I had room for in my freezer. I was really thankful people cared so much. It really helped us out," said Russell, first sergeant for the 95th Security Forces Squadron.

Receiving the basket during the holidays was about more than just the financial savings. It can be difficult spending the holidays away from friends and family and the Air Force family provides a home away from home for many. The abundance of food was a great way to bring everyone together.

"We had so much food that we wanted to share, so we invited Airmen from the dormitories to join us," Russell said.

Inspired by his experience as a young Airman, Russell wanted to continue the tradition of giving back. As treasurer of the Edwards First Sergeants Council, the opportunity presented itself when the council teamed up with Operation Homefront Southern California and brought the Thanks for Giving Program to Edwards.

On Nov. 9, the Base Theater bustled with activity when 200 Airmen picked up their baskets, filled to the top with non-perishables. A gift card was also included, giving servicemembers their choice of perishable items. Making it a Thanksgiving to remember, each basket came complete with a board game and "Cars 2," the movie.

For Edwards Airmen, a little help can make a big difference.
 
Staff Sgt. Randolph Damico, 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, appreciated the financial relief this holiday season.

"What a blessing. The holidays can be expensive and this is the first year we are living off one income," Damico said.

Falling victim to the ailing economy, his wife, Nicole, lost her job last year as a day-care provider. With two young children and Nicole working on her bachelor's degree, this year's budget has been stretched.

"Times can be tough, and I know what it's like to have a family on an Airman's salary. It is not always easy. This is not charity -- it is family and we take care of our own," Russell said.

Senior Airman Jesus Torres, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, also received a Thanksgiving basket this year. For him and his family, it saved a great deal of time.

"What a big help. We are very busy right now with a PCS in early December and getting ready to spend Christmas at home. This saved a lot of time and money," Torres said.

"Thanks for Giving Edwards AFB" began last year, when representatives from Lockheed Martin Palmdale contacted Operation Homefront Southern California, expressing interest in giving back to the military during the holidays.

From the Operation Homefront office in San Diego, program assistant, Nicole Fliear worked alongside program director, Tricia De La Paz. They coordinated with the Edwards Commissary for non-perishable items and ordered board games and movies from Wal-Mart of Poway.

The event was a first for Fliear, who began working for Homefront three months ago. As a military spouse, she was thrilled to be part of the program.

"I love working with the military and giving back to them. I am proud to be here today providing so many families with these baskets. They deserve it," she said.

Operation Homefront combined efforts with Russell and the Edwards First Sergeants Council who oversaw event logistics and the registration process.

During closed registration, section chiefs and first sergeants nominated approximately 125 Airmen, ranked technical sergeant and below with families who could use a helping hand this holiday season. During open registration, company grade officers and senior NCOs were included in the opportunity to receive a Thanksgiving basket.

"Times can be tough and we wanted to make sure no one was left out," Russell said.

Each family that signed up during the closed registration received an additional $25 gift card, courtesy of the Edwards First Sergeants Council.

"Giving back to so many military families is amazing. None of this would be possible without the volunteers, the contribution of Lockheed Martin Palmdale and a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous," said Fliear.

Thanks for Giving Edwards AFB shows service members firsthand that their community is an extension of the Air Force family, organizers say.

"It's important the military knows how much their community supports them and appreciates what they do," said Fliear.

In the program's two-year existence, nearly 400 Edwards Airmen and their families have received Thanksgiving meals.