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Operation Warmheart provides holiday help

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chad Warren
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  With the holiday season fast approaching, Operation Warmheart is beginning its push to raise money for Barksdale Airmen who may need a little extra help during the holidays.

The charity fund is managed by the Barksdale First Sergeant Council and is meant to provide financial assistance to Barksdale Airmen and their families who have had a tough time financially throughout the year.

With the addition of the now fully-operational Air Force Global Strike Command here on Barksdale, there are now even more Airmen who may be willing to contribute.

"The intent is to offer a small token of our support and appreciation for them and their families as they go through the holiday season," said Senior Master Sgt. Derrick Grames, 2nd Munitions Squadron first sergeant. "As members of the Profession of Arms, our fellow Airmen are an extended family. We need to take care of our family."

Although the program is ongoing throughout the year, Operation Warmheart is known primarily for contributions during the holiday season.

The contributions that Operation Warmheart receives are passed on to Airmen and their families in the form of Commissary food vouchers for Thanksgiving and holiday meal boxes from Angel Food Ministries for Christmas.

"Year after year, I see wonderful people contributing precious money to help our Airmen," said Sergeant Grames.

Last year the program received more than $16,000 in donations, providing 450 families the opportunity to have a happier and less stressful holiday season. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, the First Sergeant Council has high hopes for this year as well. While every contribution is appreciated, donating money is not the only way to contribute to this worthy cause.

Operation Warmheart and the First Sergeant Council are in need of volunteers to help collect money throughout the month of October.

"It is a great way to spend a few hours helping out our fellow Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Richard Hicks, a volunteer from the 2nd Security Forces Squadron. "A lot of people are willing to donate."

If you would like to volunteer your time, contact your unit's First Sergeant or the First Sergeant Council.

"The bottom line is that this program would not be successful if it weren't for those people who stand in front of the commissary soliciting donations," said Sergeant Grames. "It's amazing to see the support from the base, fellow Airmen, retirees, and the community to support our Airmen."