Holloman's Big Give-the gift that keeps on giving

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jamal Sutter
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  For as long as the Air Force has been around, the act of giving and participation in volunteer work has served as an installation's way to help better the community and show appreciation for the support given by surrounding areas.

Holloman Air Force Base has shown a strong passion for community involvement with events such as Day of Caring, Keep Alamogordo Beautiful and, now, the Holloman's Big Give, a project hosted by the 49th Force Support Marketing.

Holloman's Big Give is a local version of Oprah's Big Give and the idea is for people to compete to give, rather than get, said Amanda Gallagher, marketing director and creator of the Big Give project.

"This community has given a lot of money to this base in support of our events and military folks," Ms. Gallagher said. "I think it would be really great to see Holloman go out and do something for Alamogordo."

Teams may consist of five to 15 people and isn't limited to only active duty personnel. Anyone associated with Team Holloman is allowed to participate and this may include but isn't limited to spouses, civilians and booster club members.

In fact, teams with a mixture of persons are what Ms. Gallagher, who strongly encourages teams to not stick only to recruiting squadron members, wants to see.

"It's not a squadron competition because that's not the point," she said. "The point is to come together as a whole. Pick the people you're going to work the best with, find people you're passionate about and help them."

There are plenty of resources available for those not sure on what to do or how to help, Ms. Gallagher said. One avenue she suggests is for teams to get in contact with service organizations downtown.

"Even if you don't want to do something specifically for that organization, they might know of somebody who needs help," she said. "They might know of a family who has a situation that isn't something normally broadcasted."

Some of those who've registered have already begun to brainstorm and prepare to put their plan into work.

49th Mission Support Group Information Manager Senior Airman Alejandra Owens, along with her teammates, has decided to do some volunteer work at an animal shelter and help raise money for their cause.

"I've always liked volunteering," Airman Owens said. "I've volunteered with kids and I've done the Meals on Wheels. I've always wanted to volunteer with animals so this is a good opportunity for that."

One of Airman Owens' teammates, Airman Misty Mosley, 49th Mission Support Group client support administrator, is equally as excited about the project.

"When I first got the e-mail, I saw 'Big Give' and said, 'That sounds like an opportunity to reach out to the community and do something good,'" Airman Mosley said. "Everyone in the group loves animals. They're just cute! They have no homes and we're going to try to find them homes while volunteering."

The event is scheduled to kick off at the Fitness and Sports Center on Aug. 6, where teams will be reminded of the rules and regulations and will be given the tools needed for the competition. Teams will have from then until Aug. 20 to execute their work.

Teams will be evaluated and judged on impact, creativity and teamwork. It will be up to the teams to tell the story and document the work they've done, whether it's through videos, photos and/or a log in book.

A wrap up banquet is scheduled to take place Aug. 21 at the Desert Sands Enlisted Club, where the winning team will be named and people's choice award will be given.

The winning team will receive $5,000, which is $1,000 per person in a five-man team.

The prize money, which was donated by Desert Sun Toyota and Desert Sun Motors of Alamogordo, was originally $2,500. Once Brandon Burling, Desert Sun Toyota general manger, brought the project to the attention of Toyota Corporate, they decided to pitch in and double the winnings.

For anyone with questions or for anyone looking to seek further information about Holloman's Big Give call Amanda Gallagher at 572-5597.

"I think people shouldn't be intimidated by it," Ms. Gallagher said. "I've heard a lot of people saying, 'We don't have time,' but time could be the only thing you give to this project and you could walk away with $5,000."

Registration for the event is from now until July 25. Applications can be provided by your first sergeant and, also, are available for download at www.hollomanservices.com.