Airmen volunteer for Shop-with-a-Cop event

  • Published
  • By Airman Brigitte Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  More than 20 Moody Airmen volunteer for the Shop-with-a-Cop program in Valdosta Dec. 18. The program is to help promote a positive military image in the local community and give children the opportunity to have a better holiday season.

This event, sponsored by the Scott Craven Mentoring Program, pairs underprivileged children from Sallas-Mahone Elementary School with Moody Airmen and Valdosta policemen. Each child was given two gift cards totaling $125 to spend at a local store.

"We contacted the base because the Valdosta Police Department didn't have enough officers to pair with all the kids this year," said Bonnie Ard, program coordinator. "I asked for Airmen from Moody to come out and help, and of course they came through."

One Airman reflects on why it's important to volunteer for events supporting the local community.

"Volunteering for events like this helps the community see the military in a better light," said Airman 1st Class John Plumadore, 23rd Security Forces Squadron patrolman. "The military isn't all about war. It's about helping the community and the American people."

Staff Sgt. Kim Downing, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspector, is part of the Scott Craven mentoring program. She volunteered to help with Shop-with-a-Cop because she feels it's a worthwhile cause.

"The interaction with the kids is great," said Sergeant Downing. "Watching them learn and grow from what I can offer feels good. We can present a positive image to these children with our strong work ethics and values," she said. "They're our future."

The evening concluded with a free pizza party, cake and a visit from Santa Claus.

"I would say the overall success of the program was outstanding," said Airman Plumadore. "It was good to see so many kids with smiles on their faces for Christmas."

Capt. Scott Craven was a 479th Flying Training Group instructor pilot here who was killed in a traffic accident in 2006. The mentoring program was renamed after him in memory of his volunteer service.

The money for this year's Shop-with-a-Cop event was raised during an annual golf tournament held in Pennsylvania by the parents of Captain Craven, said Gary Glover, principal at Sallas-Mahone Elementary School.

"Scott was one of the first mentors at the school," said Mr. Glover. "He was loved by the faculty and staff, and his light is shining through in these kids."