Team Holloman gears up for seventh year of giving Published June 19, 2013 By Amanda Gallagher 49th Force Support Squadron HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Six years ago, Holloman Air Force Base launched a BIG GIVE competition with the intent to reward those who are committed to giving back to their communities. As a result, approximately 600 active duty members, retirees, family members have donated close to $500,000 in upgrades, improvements and cash right here in our backyard. These individuals committed their skills, resources and time to serve over 20,000 hours of community service. Inspired by shows such as Extreme Home Makeover and Oprah's BIG GIVE, in 2007 the 49th Wing Force Support Squadron adopted some of the ideas to create Holloman's very own BIG GIVE. It is a program that makes for fun, summer competition in which teams register to give in creative and dramatic ways over a 3-week period. Their service projects are documented and presented to a panel of base and community leaders who judge based on effort, enthusiasm, execution and impact. Afterward, all the teams set up their displays at an after party, and we take their projects to the polls to let family and friends vote for their favorites in the People's Choice Awards. Although large and small teams compete for a grand total of $11,500 in prizes, the end goal is for everyone to walk away feeling a renewed sense of purpose and uplifted morale. Over the course of each season, we have seen a myriad of projects, to include school supplies drives, clinics built for early cancer detection and clinics remodeled for sexual assault examinations. We have had animal shelters painted, new walking paths constructed for our furry friends and bare bark parks turned into fun-filled theme parks for pets. The homeless have been fed, orphaned children have been given backpacks, read-a-thons have secured funding for children's books, and friends with cancer have been given much-needed funds to help offset medical expenses. Our local veterans have received upgraded facilities, our historic theater has been improved and our non-profits have been given a renewed sense of hope. There are no rules on how you give--just that you give. Despite reduced funding, furloughs and government cutbacks and what seems a never-ending rain cloud of bad news, Holloman Air Force Base is committed to serving time and giving big this summer. Will you join us? This year, BIG GIVE is set to launch July 12 with the wrap up party Aug. 9. Registration closes out June 26. For more information, registration forms and participation rules can be found online at www.hollomanfss.com, or call the Holloman AFB Marketing Office at 572-5597.