McConnell Reservists team with Veterans center to spread holiday cheer

by 1st Lt. Zach Anderson
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs

12/13/2012 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Staff members from the Robert J. Dole Veterans Medical Center, Wichita, Kan., donated hundreds of dollars in cash and gift cards to assist Team McConnell families in need during the holidays.

For the second straight year, the medical center held an "Open House for the Holidays" celebration, during which staff members gave donations. Members of the Air Force Reserve 931st Air Refueling Group were invited to attend the Open House as well. During the afternoon, 931st members toured the facility and spent time visiting with Veterans at the medical center.

"Many of our staff here are former military members, and we also have Reservists and members of the National Guard on staff," said Tiffany Martin, Assistant Nurse Manager of Specialty Care. "We understand the hardships military service can cause for families, especially when a member is deployed and away from home. We want to decrease any worry that a member may have about his or her family and help take care of those families while they are away. If we can relieve just one person's mind, or help just one family, that makes it all worth it."

Chief Master Sgt. Kathy Lowman, 931st Air Refueling Group Superintendent, said the donations are a testament to the extraordinary support the local community provides for the Airmen of McConnell Air Force Base.

"This really shows how much the people here care about the Airmen at the base," said Lowman. "They truly have an awareness of the challenges that face military members and they want to provide as much assistance and support as possible. These donations will go a long way to help out Airmen who are in need at this time of year."

Following the Open House event, the medical center staff presented the donations to the 931st members who were in attendance. The donations will be used to assist families who were identified to receive gifts through the 931st Air Refueling Group Angel Tree program. Through the Angel Tree program, unit members have the opportunity to furnish anonymous gifts for the children and parents of fellow Reservists.

"Donations like these tremendously increase our capability to provide assistance to our families in need," said Col. Mark S. Larson, 931st Air Refueling Group commander. "I am truly grateful to the staff of the Robert J. Dole Veterans Medical Center for their incredible support to our Airmen."