Base members respond to needs of AOR community

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

04.10.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Kelly White 

379th Air Expeditionary Wing

Over twenty local judges, prosecutors, members of the Criminal Investigation Department and members of the Ministry of Justice participated in the first of a three-day seminar focusing on the Constitution of Afghanistan and the Elimination of Violence Against Women Law, conducted by Justice Sector Support Program personnel and hosted by the Farah Provincial Reconstruction Program in Farah, Afghanistan, April 3.

During a 2-week clothing drive, the organization collected more than $8,200 in money and clothing to support the nation's Wounded Warriors and service members on emergency leave orders.

"I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome of this project," said Master Sgt. Michelle McMeekin, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Airman Readiness Center NCOIC and Top 3 lead on the clothing drive. "I just never expected the results we received. Personnel in this wing went all out and did an amazing job collecting this amount in donations in only two short weeks of fundraising. We really couldn't have done it without the amazing drive of our group and unit reps getting out there face to face."

The Top 3 selected the clothing drive as a community service project at McMeekin's suggestion.

"In my working relationship with [379th Expeditionary Personnel Support for Contingency Operations] and Wounded Warriors, I've been given the opportunity to learn of the unique way in which they support our military members. This endeavor seemed like a beneficial way to reach out and serve our [area of responsibility] community," McMeekin explained. "It also seemed like a better use of our [senior] NCO corps than cleaning up a stretch of road or painting a building; a way to really 'give back' in a manner that is long-lasting.

"I personally experienced going on emergency leave during the fundraiser — I know how stressful it can be trying to get home quickly ... the last thing anyone downrange needs to worry about is waiting for the first-available military flight because you don't have clothes to travel on a commercial flight."

Those who work directly with service members who have already benefited from the effort agree.

"This project allows the Wounded Warriors to focus their energy on recovery rather than worrying about maintaining clothing standards and constantly laundering the minimal amount of uniforms they were able to carry," said a 379th Expeditionary Medical Group nurse and Wounded Warrior representative, 1st Lt. Ember Reed.

Regardless of Top 3's certainty that the cause was deserving of generosity, they weren't nearly so sure how many donations would actually be made or in what form they'd be made in.

"Going into it, I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor to honor, respect and help our fellow military service members experiencing unfortunate circumstances," said McMeekin. "I remember telling Master Sgt. Caryn Lynn [379th AEW Ground Safety] who stepped in when I had to go home, 'I'm reminding myself to be realistic with my expectations. If we bring in $1,500-$2,000 that is a great turn out for such a short-run project. Don't be discouraged.'"

One of our greatest challenges was the unavailability of "cash on hand," she added. "Most people donate by giving whatever money they have in their pocket. In the AOR, people typically don't carry around cash because of the EagleCash card. To alleviate this, we tried to think of multiple ways people could contribute — by accepting cash, gift cards, or new or like-new clothing."

Their multi-method donation plan worked.

"We pulled in almost $8,200 in clothing, U.S. dollars, [host-nation currency], gift cards and even pogs," said Sergeant McMeekin. "Obviously, hearts really go out to our fellow service members who are in unfortunate circumstances. This wing stepped up to show just how big our hearts are."

• Date Taken: 04.10.2010
• Date Posted: 04.10.2010 06:41
• Story ID: 47940
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)