News

Reserve wing's Care and Share program aids Airmen, seeks support

  • Published
  • By Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  McChord Reservists facing financial emergencies can turn to the 446th Force Support Squadron's Airman and Family Readiness Center's Care and Share program. Soon, however, the Care and Share program will need to turn to the 446th Airlift Wing's Airmen for help.

Care and Share is a wing program that fills the void in financial assistance that exists for citizen Airmen, who are not eligible for help from Air Force Aid.

As a nonprofit organization operated independently from the Air Force, Care and Share relies on private contributions in order to provide their services.

"In the past, we've had one consistent, large donor who has provided more than 50 percent of the funds used to support Care and Share. That donor has decided to redirect its resources in order to help another deserving population, according to Carl Supplee, A&FRC director here.

However, the wing still benefits from the Hawk Prairie Rotary's annual Military Family Support day, most recently held Sept. 8.

"Our funds from donations, though, will decidedly take a down turn this year. We have about $17,000 out in loans right now. Having those we've helped pay back their loans will be a step in the right direction for the program's survival," said Supplee. "We can then continue to help more of our Reservists."

At this time, Supplee does not have any other fundraising efforts planned, but encourages squadron's to feel free to donate to Care and Share.

Each year for our Thanksgiving Food Basket program, there is a competition among the squadrons as to who donates to most food to the program. The 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron has won the past two years. I don't know if any other squadron can challenge that (gauntlet thrown)," said Supplee.

Care and Share fills the gap. For Reservists, it can be hard to meet the criteria for a lot of aid programs ... that's where Care and Share comes in.

If you would like more information on Care and Share, contact the 446 FSS A&FRC at (253) 982-5330. If you know an Airman in need of Care and Share's assistance, direct him or her to your squadron's first sergeant.