Photo By Airman 1st Class Tori Haudenschild | A base exchange patron donates to the annual Ring the Bell campaign at Hurlburt Field,...... read more read more
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HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.— When emergencies strike, the strain on finances can be overwhelming for Airmen and their families. Operation Warm Heart, led by the Hurlburt First Sergeants Council, offers a safety net for those in need at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
Throughout December, initiatives like the annual Ring the Bell campaign gathers donations to support Operation Warm Heart, making it possible to provide financial relief to those experiencing challenging circumstances.
Master Sgt. Anthony Nestasie, 23rd Special Tactics Squadron first sergeant and president of the local chapter of Operation Warm Heart, shares his motivation for being involved in the organization and the message he hopes to send.
“As a first sergeant, we owe it to the Airmen to help build our leaders of the future and sometimes that involves giving back to them in a time of need,” Nestasie said. “I want people to know that we have the backs of every Airmen, regardless of rank, because anyone can experience misfortune and distress.”
Whether it’s a sudden family emergency or car repair, Operation Warm Heart is an available resource for all Airmen – a reflection of the Air Force’s commitment to taking care of its own.
“Not only did my family have the stress of paying for my mother’s funeral but two months later we also had to pay for my father’s; it was an unimaginable, tragic reality for my family,” said an Airman assigned to Hurlburt Field, an anonymous recipient of Operation Warm Heart donations. “The organization provided a sense of relief and reassurance through financial support, taking some of the burden off of my family and I will never have enough words to express how thankful I am to them.”
Nestasie highlighted the impacts the nonprofit organization has had at Hurlburt.
“Through the donations we receive from campaigns like Ring the Bell, we are able to continue to provide the necessary support for our service members,” Nestasie explained. “This year, we’ve been able to help 17 families, giving around $6,000 to those experiencing varying degrees of hardship.”
By providing financial assistance during unexpected hardships, the program ensures Airmen can focus on their mission and family without the added burden of financial stress.
Airmen who are experiencing financial distress can be nominated by their unit's first sergeant to receive funding from Operation Warm Heart. The application is then reviewed by the First Sergeant Council to ensure the right resources are available for the nominee, Nestasie added.
For more information on how to donate to Operation Warm Heart, contact your unit’s first sergeant.
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.27.2024 14:40 |
| Story ID: | 487859 |
| Location: | HURLBURT FIELD, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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