Operation Warmheart gives back

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alessandra N. Hurley
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  First sergeants from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., gathered to give back to their Airmen by preparing care packages full of nonperishable food, Nov. 14.

Every year since 2000, the Ellsworth community has donated Thanksgiving food items such as pie mixes and gift certificates for turkey or ham to be distributed among Airmen in need. The first sergeants then package the food supplies and discreetly deliver the boxes.

Supervisors determine which of their Airmen need assistance and advise the Airmen's first sergeant. The first sergeants then get together to ensure the Airmen receive what they need to have a full Thanksgiving meal.

"Since fewer Airmen take leave during this holiday, we first sergeants find it very important to give back and provide them with the necessary food items for a happy Thanksgiving," said Master Sgt. David Wells, 28th Munitions Squadron first sergeant. Sergeant Wells is chairperson of the operation.

This year Operation Warmheart at Ellsworth produced 202 care packages containing such holiday staple foods and materials as mashed potato mixes, canned yams, pie pans, pie mixes and green bean casserole ingredients.

"Although this program is organized and run by first shirts, this is really a team effort," Sergeant Wells said. "This is a good way for all of us to give back to our Airmen."

Sergeant Wells knows from personal experience what it feels like to be an Airman who is struggling with financial matters.

"I remember coming home one day to find my wife in tears," Sergeant Wells said. "I asked her why she was crying and she told me we had no money and no food to feed our family. The last thing I wanted to do was go to my first shirt, but I did. He came right over with two bags full of groceries."

Master Sgt. Tina McFadden, 28th Comptroller Squadron first sergeant, assisted in coordinating Operation Warmheart's food drive and conducts monthly inspections of donated materials, discarding expired foods.

"This is one way we can give back to families who need help during the holidays," Sergeant McFadden said. "Taking care of our Airmen relieves them of one less hardship so they can focus on the mission."