Airmen give back, serve community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ceaira Tinsley
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
Valdosta, Ga. --  
Moody's Air Force Sergeants Association partnered with a local church to host the Third Annual Valentine's Day Banquet Feb. 12, in Valdosta, Ga.

More than 45 Airmen volunteered to assist in providing dinner, entertainment, giveaways and fellowship for homeless and low-income families in the local area.

"This kind of [event] holds a special place in my heart," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Sandra Medina, AFSA communications trustee. "I grew up in a less fortunate area. I know how it feels to not have everything that you need to survive. The biggest thing about events like this is that being in the military we are extremely fortunate and we have a lot to offer. Giving back to those who don't have is one of our duties."

The event allowed Airmen to step out into the local community and be a part of something that is a benefit to others as well as themselves.

"It's kind of easy to get stuck in a sense of entitlement sometimes," said Master Sgt. Jacqueline Haro, AFSA Chapter 460 president. "I know a lot of Airmen are upset because they don't have Wi-Fi in their dorms, [but they] have a room with heat and air, money to go buy food and all kinds of things that all of these people just don't have."

Haro stated that each year the volunteers enjoy being a part of this event because it grants approximately 300 people a fun-filled evening that they otherwise wouldn't get to participate in.

"When my younger Airmen or younger NCOs come and help out at an event like this it kind of puts things into perspective," said Haro. "[They begin to think] 'maybe I should take a step back and be really thankful for the things that I do have, because others aren't this lucky.'"

It is not often that people in the local communities have a chance to view the military from a different perspective but this banquet allotted them the opportunity.

"It is extremely important that the community sees Moody as a force for good, peace, service and commitment," said Winston Taylor, a local pastor. "[This event] showed a face of the military of peace, fun and joy that people don't typically associate the military base with."

He emphasized that Moody's Airmen have done their duty to the local community and made the event a success. Coupled with the help of locals and Moody's Airmen it is an event that will be around for more years to come.

Moody's AFSA chapter has a growing membership of approximately 1,100 Airmen who donate an average of more than 6,000 volunteer hours yearly. Although it is still early in the year, AFSA has nearly 100 volunteer events left to help the Valdosta community before the year is over.