AFSA reaches out to local community

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher L. Ingersoll
  • 100 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The Air Force Sergeants Association hosted a Christmas luncheon for more than 100 special needs citizens at the Galaxy Club here Saturday.

Dozens of base Airmen who helped with the event volunteered their time, money and attention during the season which is known for goodwill toward men.

The Airmen who participated said they have reasons, recollections and feelings as diverse as those special people who attended the event.

"There is nothing more rewarding than giving, because it is truly better to give than to receive, and the people we hosted Saturday wore so much gratitude on their faces that it's hard not to enjoy it," said Col. Chad Manske, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander.

Colonel Manske served drinks with two of his daughters who also volunteered for the event. "Giving back to the community is important to the Airmen of this base and in line with our priority to 'continue making RAF Mildenhall a great place to live and work and foster exceptional community relations,'" he added.

Others echoed Colonel Manske's sentiments.

"It is the most rewarding way to have an immediate impact with the local community," said Chief Master Sgt. Jesse Paul, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, who served food at the event. "It symbolizes the reason for the season in the act of giving back to those who have a genuine need and the event leaves you feeling fulfilled and very fortunate," he added.

"I enjoy working with special needs people," said Staff Sgt. Ronda Prince, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "They are so grateful and the smiles on their faces warm my heart."

Sergeant Prince recalls a specific event that she found meaningful during the luncheon where everyone helped one particular guest.

"My favorite part of the entire day was when all the volunteers lined up around the balcony so that one of the guests could join the party. She is terribly afraid of balconies, so everyone clapped for her as she went upstairs into the ballroom. It was the best feeling," said Sergeant Prince.

Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Janssen, Air Combat Command, 488th Intelligence
Squadron, and co-chairman of this event, emphasized the rewards of
volunteering for the event and recalled a story that made her feel good about being there.

"I have worked at special needs events for years, and I always get back 10 times more than what I put into them," said Sergeant Janssen. "My favorite part is watching all the pieces come together and watching the enjoyment of the people there.

"I had a caretaker come up to me and say that the present, an aircraft recognition guide, her charge received at the event was the absolute best gift he had ever been given. He was absolutely floored at the care that went into selecting it for him," she added.

Gary Spokes, one of the guests at the luncheon, was excited enough to be the first one on the dance floor when the Christmas music began to play, performing with a big smile on his face.

He did not remain on the dance floor alone however, as other guests were caught up in the music and began to file out on the dance floor one by one to show their moves as well.

Regardless of the reasons for volunteering, everyone agreed it was certainly rewarding to give of themselves and spread goodwill toward men.