Ten-year-old donates to 'Others'

  • Published
  • By by Senior Airman Michael Charles
  • Nellis Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev --  The daughter of a rescue pilot in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department made a donation to the "That Others May Live" foundation during a ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Sept. 24.

Ten-year-old, Gia Morris, presented a $5,000 donation to Robert Martinez, TOML executive member and former U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot, in front of Nellis rescue community members.

"It's fantastic, as a member of the rescue community, to see the greater Las Vegas community appreciate what we do," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Eric Jefferies, 563rd Rescue Group Operating Location Alpha deputy commander. "Children like Gia help embolden our rescue warriors to go out and perfect those things we do so that others may live."

Morris began making and selling bracelets more than four months ago with the goal of saving money to buy an iPad. She later amended her decision to give the money to an organization that would benefit others.

"I remember when I was 10 years old my parents couldn't get me to sit straight long enough for me to do my homework," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Lindblom, 66th Rescue Squadron assistant director of operations. "For Gia to take it upon herself to do something this large for other people is mindboggling. It's hard to imagine what she will being doing at the age of 25."

The fifth grader at Twitchell Elementary School, decided to donate the funds to the TOML foundation because of the close ties to the rescue community through her father and because of the support they give to families of fallen rescue Airmen.

"I wanted to give back to all the brave men and women and go in the air and sacrifice their lives for our country," Morris said.

"It's good to be reminded that there is much positivity in the world," Lindblom said. "It's refreshing to see a girl who is willing to sacrifice her time for such a noble cause. Instead of playing she is trying to make a difference."

Morris ended up providing the largest donation to TOML from a single donor to date and hopes to make another $5,000 donation in the near future.

"It makes me feel good to know I'm helping," Morris said.

The "That Others May Live" foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that provides scholarships, family counseling and aid to surviving children of Air Force rescue Airmen who lost their lives during a rescue mission, training or other personnel recovery missions. It is also one of the organizations connected with the Combined Federal Campaign, which began Oct. 3, 2011.

"The money Gia raised will go toward the kids of our warriors who have made the ultimate sacrifice," Martinez said. "Her generosity will never be forgotten."