LRS brings hope, charity to local community

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Close to a dozen 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airmen brought hope to hundreds of area citizens as they helped unload coats and food for the upcoming winter season at a local Salvation Army center Oct. 24.

The effort, which started in November of last year, is part of a long-term project for the squadron.

"This project is one that our squadron wanted to take on as part of our effort to give something back to a community that has done so much for us," said Master Sgt. Jay Birtch, 319 LRS vehicle management flight chief.

"And to know that we are truly making a difference to those in need only makes the project more worthwhile," said Sergeant Birtch.

The day's effort consisted of unloading thousands of donated coats, filling up the large room set aside for their distribution, along with unloading 500 to 600 pounds of canned and dried goods. The food and coats will be given out to those people in need who come to the Salvation Army center. Since beginning the program, LRS Airmen have moved close to 20,000 pounds of food for the local community, working every month to ensure that the shelves always stay full.

"These Airmen truly are a blessing to us," said Lindy Beauchamps, the Salvation Army coordinator. "The key to the Salvation Army is reaching out to those in need. We truly wouldn't be able to do it without the help of these individuals."

"With Christmas coming up and the cold weather approaching, these Airmen are really making a difference in this community," said Ms. Beauchamp.

But it wasn't only LRS Airmen making the effort and stepping forward to help. Two Airmen from the 319th Medical Operations Squadron, as well as an Airman from the 319th Maintenance Squadron, took time from their busy schedule to help their fellow Warriors of the North.

"We wanted to help; to make a difference in people's lives," said Airman 1st Class Natasha Terry, 319 MDOS medical technician. "In the medical community we do that, but here we are seeing firsthand how a little effort can bring huge rewards to so many people. It is so rewarding to be doing this."

This on-going project is not limited to the LRS, anyone interested in helping can contact Master Sergeant Jay Birtch at 747-3764 to find out a time to help them in their efforts.