Joint Base Airmen support Toys for Tots campaign and Wounded Warriors

by Master Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn
15th Wing Public Affairs

12/18/2013 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  -- More than 70 toys new toys were handed over to the Marine Corps Reserve "Toys for Tots" program during the opening ceremonies of the 2nd Annual Super Draft Softball Tournament here Dec. 14.

Around 65 players from the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam community supported the Air Force Sergeant's Association sponsored event which also donated funds from the registration fees to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The two-day tournament, which was a backyard baseball style draft, was open to all JBPH-H community members willing to donate an un-wrapped toy to the Toys for Tots campaign sponsored by the U.S. Marines Corps Heavy Marine Helicopter Unit 463, stationed at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, Hawaii.

"I would like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting the softball tournament and AFSA," said Chief Master Sgt. Leslie Bramlett, 15th Wing command chief, during the opening remarks of the tournament. "AFSA has a special place in my heart. They help take care of our Airmen, their benefits and their families. Not only does AFSA help advocate for us in Washington D.C., but they also support us locally."

The Toys for Tots campaign is a charitable tradition supported and executed by service members since 1947. Toys for Tots Hawaii has established a close, working relationship with local social welfare agencies, church groups and other local community agencies to distribute the toys.

Col. Terry Scott, 15th Wing vice commander, thanked the participants for their support and encouraged everyone to keep the bigger picture in mind while enjoying the event.

"You all are helping to make someone's holiday a lot better," said Scott.