CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
While we were children, we always would dream about the next gift we were going to receive for Christmas. Now as adults we mainly concentrate on giving, whether to our children or others in the community that need a little extra to get by. It seems we pay attention more to the needs of people during the holiday season, as we did during this past one. This year has been especially hard on everyone.
The declining economy has taken a toll on everyone and it is especially true for the young families of our Air Force. But, thanks to the generosity of the Charleston AFB community, the young families can rest a little easier. Each year the first sergeants of Charleston conduct holiday cheer so that we can provide a little something for those families that need just a little extra to make the holidays that much better.
This year the community came through with great abundance, even though times have been tough for them too. This year almost $7,300 was raised to help 162 families that needed a little extra this holiday season. I almost forgot to mention the support for the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program we had throughout the base. Thanks to organizations and individuals, many children got a little extra under the tree making their Christmas even more joyous.
But the giving has not been just during Holiday Cheer. Throughout the year, Airmen throughout the Charleston community have donated their time to make things better for so many in so many different ways. Our Airmen have spent time working on Habitat for Humanity, building affordable housing so that those that are less fortunate can have that place to really call home.
Many Airmen worked with the Miracle League to build a baseball complex so that the children of Charleston with physical and mental challenges can chase the same dream as those children that are not challenged physically or mentally.
So many have taken care of their own by volunteering those late nights with Airmen Against Drunk Driving, providing rides so that everyone makes it home after a night out on the town.
Of course there are too many examples of Charleston caring and giving to write about in a short commentary. The commitment of the Airmen and their families to the Charleston military and civilian communities is outstanding.
Even though I have only been in Charleston for about five months, I clearly see this community gives more so others may receive and does not ask for anything in return. As first sergeants, our job is people, but without the help of so many people we can not take care of our people the way we need to.
For the first sergeants of Charleston, I offer a heartfelt thanks to all the organizations and individuals throughout the community who made this holiday cheer a great success.
I also say thanks to all those that have offered their time and expertise throughout the military and civilian community to make the lives of so many better.