Flood-impacted Minot AFB Airmen receive new appliances

Published Dec. 21, 2011
By Senior Airman Jessica McConnell
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Flood-impacted Team Minot Airmen and their families received more than 130 much-needed appliances Dec. 15 on behalf of Operation Warm Heart, Operation Homefront, Home Depot and General Electric.

"Operation Homefront was founded in 2002 and is the largest emergency services provider to the military outside of the military's relief society," said Amy Palmer, chief of operating offices for Operation Homefront. "We are a national non-profit organization that provides emergency and other assistance to military and wounded warriors."

The Air Force Chief of Staff's spouse, Suzie Schwartz, contacted Operation Homefront and asked if they could assist Minot Airmen with flood recovery efforts.

"That basically initiated the assistance," said Master Sgt. Patrick Lund, 5th Force Support Squadron first sergeant. "When we were contacted by Operation Homefront, we let them know exactly what our Airmen needed."

Lund said Operation Warm Heart knew Airmen needed appliances because of a survey Airmen completed during the last town hall meeting. Appliances donated included refrigerators, microwaves, washers, dryers, stoves and dishwashers.

"We have a partnership with the Home Depot Foundation, which has a disaster relief fund," said Palmer. "They were able to provide us with $50,000 worth of gift cards to purchase appliances. The local Home Depot owner contacted General Electric, which is when they granted a discount on the appliances. We were able to purchase a lot more this way."

"This operation was specifically driven by the flood," Lund said. "We have a lot of Airmen spending a lot of money on rebuilding their houses because they just want to get back into their homes. Subsequently, that leaves little money for appliances. Essentially, this is putting a few thousand dollars back into their pocket."

Overall, 48 families received 135 appliances which were distributed based on the family's needs - some received one while others received all six.

"I really want to thank Home Depot and General Electric," said Lund. "Home Depot did a lot of the legwork in finding appliances for the donation and GE gave us these appliances at a huge discounted price with no charge for delivery."

Lund wasn't the only thankful person during this operation, the Airmen and families receiving the appliances were grateful for the help and expressed their thanks through big smiles and lots of hugs.

One of the recipients, Senior Airman Larry Bass from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, lost everything on the first floor of his home and is currently working on getting his house repaired.

"I'm spending a bulk of my money on repairing the house," said Bass. "This is saving me a lot of money in the long run. This operation means a lot to me -- it's a lot of work to do by oneself, so this helps a lot. The Air Force, in general, has been great with helping me out. I just want to thank everyone for all their assistance."

Lund said that this sizeable donation not only shows how generous the Air Force and supporting organizations are, but also how the Air Force always supports its Airmen.

"This operation really demonstrates just how big of a family the Air Force is," said Lund. "I'm really impressed with the generosity and the selflessness I've observed during this time. The Air Force really does take care of its own."