Langley 1st sergeants surprise junior Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman
  • 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  Airmen at Langley Air Force Base, Va., lined up around the block at the gas station Feb. 27, waiting for their turn to receive a free tank of gas. The First Sergeant's Council gave away $1,000 in free fuel to junior enlisted personnel as part of their Random Acts of Kindness Program.

"Free fuel? It's the best thing that could happen to me," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman James Walea, 1st Maintenance Squadron mechanic.

"I think it's amazing; especially with the rise in gas prices," said Senior Airman Shalayne Dulan, 1st Fighter Wing Knowledge Operations manager. "We really appreciate it."

Master Sgt. Ryan McCauley, 633rd Air Base Wing staff agencies' first sergeant, said the event was spearheaded conjunction with the Operation Warmheart program, and the idea came about during discussion about the distribution of gift cards during the holiday season.

"Rather than providing simple gift cards to members and their families, we've garnered support from several organizations on and off base who provide toys to make the holiday season more enjoyable for our junior service members. This has freed up that money to be used throughout the year to provide special grants and loans as members encounter unplanned emergencies," said McCauley. "The Random Acts of Kindness is an extension of that program, which is targeted at the military population that may not require the immediate assistance, but can certainly benefit from it."

Operation Warmheart is a nonprofit organization run by the First Sergeants Council to receive, manage and distribute charitable funds to Langley families. The majority of distributions occur during the November to December holiday season, but McCauley said special grants and loans are provided to Airmen throughout the year in the event an unforeseen emergency arises and Airmen do not have the financial means to support their family during the emergency.

Master Sgt. Rob Mediavilla, 633rd Medical Group first sergeant, said the five first sergeants who participated gave away nearly 300 gallons of free gas for 45 cars.

"It brings a great sense of satisfaction to know that we are able to take care of our Airmen who work so diligently to accomplish the mission every day," said Mediavilla. "The demands of a high operational tempo and thinning force continually take their toll on our Airmen. So it is nice to be able to give something tangible back to them and their families, who continue to sacrifice for our country and ask nothing in return."

McCauley echoed that sentiment, adding that Operation Warmheart gives every single dollar received back to the Airmen of Team Langley.

"The random acts are another way we can spread the word about the Warmheart program while showing the people who have made contributions to the program some of the positive effects their generous donations have made throughout the year," McCauley said.

The random acts is not a new concept, as other First Sergeant Councils around the Air Force have hosted similar events. However, this was the first time at Langley.