Holloman donates food for families

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica Stamps
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  It's time to drop off some goods for this year's Feds Feed Families food drive. The food drive, which is sponsored by the Department of Defense, is aiming to reach 733,800 pounds of nonperishable foods donated by federal employees nationwide to feed families that are short on food flow for the summer.

Hosted by the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, representatives from different squadrons on base are gathering the food and spreading the word on the importance of this event to those who are purchasing items at the commissary.

Airmen have the opportunity to throw a few nonperishable food items into the donation box located at the front doors of the commissary.

"We're supporting not just the Airmen on the base, we're supporting downtown," said Glen Kuhn, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness technician. "We have a lot of retirees downtown that utilize that food bank, so we're giving back to ourselves."

In the Airman's Creed, we are wingmen who vow to be there for one another. Creating the same concept for people who don't wear the uniform can be expressed in ways other than words.

"As someone who has had friends where circumstances happen like houses burned down, and family falling on hard times, programs like this are really important to ensure those people can get through their times of need," said Senior Airman Martin Rodriguez, 49th Comptroller Squadron. "The smallest thing can have the biggest impact on someone."

From chiefs and first sergeants all the way down to airmen basic, it's how much we can give that matters. An apple a day keeps the hunger away ... only make it a can of fruit.

"I think it's important we try to give back," said Master Sgt. Jon Kovalovich, 4th Space Control Squadron. "You don't have a duty just to the Air Force -- you have a duty and a commitment to your community."

Contributing to the food drive by volunteering to help raise goods is another option for those who want to participate in the campaign, according to Kovalovich. Passing out flyers is one way he emphasizes the push to get donations for the three month food drive.

"We have to do what we can. We're not just here for your safety and security, we're here for your support as well," he said.

The campaign will continue through August 31, with all proceeds being collected each Tuesday from the commissary and taken to the Love in the Name of Christ of Otero County ministry.

Susan Payne, executive director for Love INC said, "For us to be able to work with Holloman, we're very excited about that because we want to be able to partner with our entire Otero County community."

Those who live off base can also deliver their nonperishable goods to Love INC, which is located on 817 Scenic Drive at New Beginnings Church. Donations are received Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m.