Holloman volunteers gather for Day of Caring

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sondra Escutia
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Hundreds of Team Holloman members gathered in Alamogordo early May 13 to partake in a day-long volunteer event hosted by the Otero County United Way -- the Day of Caring.

The annual event is designed to help clean up Holloman's neighboring towns and assist individual community members who can't help themselves due to physical or financial disabilities.

In Alamogordo alone, Holloman volunteers completed more than 70 work orders, including yard and house work for individuals in need and general community clean-up projects.

In addition to fulfilling requests in Alamogordo, a team from Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources Base headed to Cloudcroft to beautify the small mountain town.

While the goal of the Day of Caring was help those in need, it offered a spirit-boost for those on both the receiving and giving end.

"It's a way for us to get out of the shop and boost morale," said Airman 1st Class Rashen Morrison, 49th Materiel Maintenance Squadron and volunteer. "We volunteer because it's a good opportunity ... I like this kind of stuff. We like this kind of stuff -- coming out and helping out in any way we can."

Airman Morrison added, he and his fellow Airmen enjoyed interacting with members of the community and cultivating the lasting relationship between the base and the local community.

One of the citizens who received assistance in cleaning up her yard during the Day of Caring said she was incredibly grateful to the members of Holloman and offered a message to those who turned out to help.

"It's just really a blessing for me," said Ann Bagby, an Alamogordo resident of 13 years. "Ever since I moved to Alamogordo near the Air Force base, I've always been impressed favorably [by] how much the people from the base do to help the community. A giant thank you to all ... for going above and beyond your service."