Tis the season to be an 'Angel'

Published Oct. 30, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Jami K. Lancette
434th Public Affairs staff

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- With Halloween behind us and thanksgiving around the corner, Christmas plans are already in full swing for Grissom's Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Grissom's A&FRC is currently accepting nominations for its annual Angel Tree event, which is a program designed to help other Airman and their families here who may need a helping hand for Christmas.

"The Angel Tree is an opportunity for Airman to sponsor other Airmen who have young families and who might have a financial need or might need a little bit of an extra blessing for Christmas," said Master Sgt. Nathan Moore, 434th Air Refueling Wing A&FRC non-commissioned officer in charge. "It's a way to help each other out and give back a little bit during a time of need."

Once nominations are sent in, the names of the children are placed on the tree for Angels who volunteer to sponsor anonymously and buy gifts based on Santa's list.

"I spoke with the first sergeants and commanders and challenged them to find one or two people in their unit that might have a need," said Moore. "Our goal is to identify those people who may be in need.

"We are also currently looking for 'Angels' for a family that could come over (to A&FRC) and pick a name, we'll give you a form with the information on it and over the next month you go shopping for those kids, wrap it and bring it to the A&FRC by Dec. 5th," said Moore.

Just a few years ago Grissom's A&FRC combined their food drive and Angel Tree together so that families who were nominated were given an extra blessing for Thanksgiving as well.

"We used to have a separate food drive with Thanksgiving and December with the Angel Tree a few years ago," said Moore. "We combined the two so now, basically anyone who is on the Angel Tree can get a food basket as well.

Those wishing to donate food can drop off items at food collection bins around base or can bring them directly to the A&FRC.

"This is, no doubt, one of my favorite UTA's of the year," said Moore. "Airmen are so excited and very appreciative.

"It's not only the people receiving but those who are giving, it makes it fun for both," he added. "It makes you feel more like a family; we all wear the uniform and were just looking out for each other, and we've all been there at one time."

For more information on how to help, contact Jill Marconi at (765) 688-4812.

Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker in the Air Force Reserve Command as well as three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps communication detachment.

Stay connected with Grissom and the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twiiter.

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Tis the season to be an 'Angel'

Public Affairs Staff