Operation Care Package: what it means to be "Team Holloman"

  • Published
  • By Heather Miller, School Liaison Officer
  • 49th Force Support Squadron
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  On any given day, Holloman has approximately 300 to 400 troops deployed to various locations around the globe. The majority of the base community has felt the effects of deployment in one way or another, whether having a loved one overseas or having deployed themselves.

As a part of the Year of the Air Force Family, Team Holloman teamed up to show those deployed troops how much they are appreciated for their service.

On May 11, more than 50 volunteers came out to pack up 385 care packages for Team Holloman men and women who are currently deployed. Each box contained items such as cookies, beef jerky, hand sanitizer, foot powder, puzzle books, hand-written cards from students at Holloman schools and thank-you letters from New Mexico Congressmen.

The volunteers who participated in the packing party represented numerous groups to include First Sergeants, Key Spouses, Airman & Family Readiness Center Staff, Airmen from various base organizations and many more. Together, they represented what it means to be "Team Holloman."

Headed up by Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia, 49th Fighter Wing command chief, and organized by Heather Miller, Master Sgt. Jesse Lawhorn and Senior Airman Terri Cowan, this project exceeded its goal, which was to create at least 300 care packages.

Over the past few weeks, volunteers have been collecting donations outside of the base exchange and commissary for Operation Care Package. Each item donated has the potential to encourage the brave men and women down range, according to Chief Tapia.

"As we all know, the morale [for our troops] goes up and down with the mail," said Chief Tapia.

The members of the Operation Care Package committee would like to thank each and every volunteer who donated items, passed out flyers or participated in the Care Package Party.

They would also like to extend a special thanks to the troops who are currently deployed.

"While receiving a care package is always nice, what we would really like is for them to receive a message directly from us, and that is: we have not forgotten about you," said Chief Tapia. "Your community cares about you, we miss you and we wish you a safe trip home."