Two sergeants lead Team Edwards volunteers for AV stand down

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LANCASTER, Calif. --  As part of its commitment to veterans, Team Edwards provided support for the Antelope Valley Veterans Stand Down at Grace Chapel in Lancaster, Calif., on Saturday. 

The stand down is a quarterly one-day event that provides a wide array of special programs and services specifically designed to help veterans who are having difficulties. 

"The program helped local veterans in need of any services they are not receiving in a normal basis," said Staff Sgt. Amber Pfeil, 95th Mission Support Group information manager. 

Team Edwards volunteers mingled and offered their support to the community, said Staff Sgt. Cindy Ferl, 95th Comptroller Squadron technician. They also helped with the cleanup and teardown after the event. 

The base also donated more than $2,000 worth of hygiene products and donations.

Volunteering for the stand down started as an idea by two Edwards Airmen. Their involvement grew into a volunteer program for the base. 

One and a half years ago, Sergeants Ferl and Pfeil were looking for ways to volunteer around the Antelope Valley area. 

Sergeant Ferl was browsing a local newspaper when she noticed an article about the Antelope Valley Stand Down. 

"I was looking for a worthy cause," Sergeant Ferl said. "I was looking for something to get involved with the community." 

She asked Sergeant Pfeil about the possibility of volunteering. 

"We didn't have a clue what it is about," Sergeant Pfeil said. "We showed up and that was how we got started." 

The two sergeants have gone to six stand downs in the past year. 

"We talked to the veterans and tried to know who they are," Sergeant Pfeil said. "The more we get to meet them, the more we can identify what they need." 

Later, it became evident for the two sergeants to have the Edwards community get involved. 

After receiving aid from the Middle-Tier Association, the two sergeants were able to set up a towel and a personal hygiene kit drive for the veterans.

"We just want the community to get involved," Sergeant Pfeil said. "The hygiene kits were one of the biggest things the veterans asked for." 

The last AV stand down was the first time the two sergeants brought a contingent from Team Edwards. 

Sergeant Pfeil said the event is a good way to give back to the veterans. 

"It is awesome," she said. "I have been in the service for more than seven years now, but I have never had the opportunity to have an impact to the veterans. I think this is a very good way to help them."