AFSA holds BDU donation drive

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody's Air Force Sergeants Association, Chapter 460 is holding a Battle Dress Uniform donation drive in an effort to provide uniforms for local Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps students.

The donations, which will be accepted until Oct. 15, are going to be used by the students at Thomasville High School, said Senior Master Sgt. David Smith, 23rd Wing Plans superintendent and AFSA, Chapter 460 president. 

"These JROTC students are one of the few groups in Georgia that use BDUs," said Sergeant Smith. "According to their detachment commander, retired Colonel Stan McCloud, it's kind of a 'rite of passage' for the cadets to wear the BDU, not all cadets get to wear the BDUs. Since the Air Force is converting to Airman Battle Uniforms, it's a very good way for our old BDUs to be put to use."

The association is also looking for Airmen to donate black combat boots, preferably smaller sizes.

"In all honesty, we're looking for the smaller sizes since the cadet's range in age from 14-17 years old and tend to run towards smaller sizes, but any and all donations are greatly appreciated," said the sergeant. "All we ask is that the donor sanitizes the BDU shirt, that is remove rank insignia, patches, badges, name tape, and Air Force tape. We also would appreciate it if everything is in good, serviceable condition.

"If your BDUs look more like DCUs than BDUs (really faded), then I doubt the students could use them," he added. "After all, we are trying to set them up for success here."

The AFSA, a group open to all enlisted members regardless of rank, has been helping students around the local community including Lowndes County High School.

"Sometimes we volunteer to be the judges for the drill meets," said Sergeant Smith. "We're there to help them answer questions about the Air Force and the military."

After the October drive, Sergeant Smith hopes to continue collecting BDUs bi-monthly.

"So far the drive has been a success and I'm looking forward to collecting more uniforms before the end of the school year," he said. "We're just giving these students the opportunity to get ahead."

For more information on where to drop off donations or the Air Force Sergeants Association, contact Senior Master Sgt. David Smith at 257-5356 or Master Sgt. Baron Acosta at 257-5233.