'Operation Warm Heart' lifts holiday spirits Published Dec. 8, 2011 By Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- The time of year has arrived where decorations are being strung and hung, holiday jingles can be heard on virtually every television commercial, and department store shelves are stocked with toys. The holidays are coming, but some Airmen may be feeling holiday stress instead of the usual holiday cheer. Operation Warm Heart is a fund, sponsored by the Team Mildenhall First Sergeants Council, which works to assist Airmen experiencing financial stress. Although they assist Airmen and their families year-round, the first sergeants reach out to the community most during the holidays. "Operation Warm Heart is one way we can ensure our people are being taken care of," said Senior Master Sgt. Jason Kalinowski, 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron first sergeant. "They are our greatest asset." During the recent Thanksgiving holiday, more than $5,000 worth of food vouchers were given to Airmen to offset the cost of Thanksgiving meals. During the Christmas season last year, the fund assisted more than 100 families. Funds from Operation Warm Heart come from fundraising events hosted by the First Sergeants' Council and donations. For more information about Operation Warm Heart, contact any Team Mildenhall first sergeant.