News

Wingman concept soars among 446th AW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicole Celestine
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  If the results from the annual holiday food and gift drive are any indication, members of the 446th Airlift Wing here have taken the wingman concept to the next level through their support of fellow Airmen over the holiday season.

According to Carl Supplee, director of the 446th Mission Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center, 49 families received 159 meals and 34 boxes jam-packed with holiday glee for Thanksgiving, while 53 families received 167 meals and 34 boxes for Christmas.  More than $1,500 in holiday gift cards was distributed to Reservists who live 50 miles or more from the base. Adding to the joyfulness of the holiday season, Airmen picked gift tags from the Angel Tree and provided holiday gifts for nearly 100 families.

The 446th AW, along with community partners such as the Central Pierce County Fire and Rescue Department, Harborstone Credit Union and the United Service Organizations, collected about three tons of food during the holiday season.  A portion of the food remaining after the holidays is stored in the 446th MSS Airman and Family Readiness Center food pantry, which the staff maintains and distributes to families as needed throughout the year.

Master Sgt. Steven Thomas, the NCO in charge of the center, said support for the holiday food and gift drive has increased every year since its inception.  Sergeant Thomas said Airmen also volunteer their time to pack food boxes and wrap gifts, showing that support goes beyond donating physical items.

The A&FRC staff commended the 446th AW family for living up to the wingman concept.