Photo By Timothy Sandland | Airmen from the 102nd Communications Flight from Otis Air National Guard Base...... read more read more
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“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”
A message by Greek philosopher, Aristotle, over two millennia ago still holds true today.
For Master Sgt. Christopher “C.J.” Allen of the 102nd Communications Flight, serving others became a call to action.
As the Combined Federal Campaign started this season, it was in need of a point of contact for the 102nd Communications Flight. Allen stepped up and volunteered for the duty. Not familiar with the specifics of his new responsibilities, he sought out the advice of the wing CFC coordinator, Chaplain (Capt.) Derek White.
“I spoke with Chaplain White, and asked him, ‘So what do we do?’ and he went over some of the ways you can donate. He mentioned volunteerism as an option.”
For many, dropping a few dollars in a collection pail or writing a check to contribute to an important cause is an easy way to give back. The funds collected by charities certainly helps these efforts and is a wonderful thing; however, money is not always the answer. Sometimes it is far more helpful to contribute time and effort.
Allen approached his commander and superintendent with the idea of volunteering time as a flight. They thought it was a great idea and gave him the green light. At a staff meeting, he announced his idea to the rest of the flight.
“Almost everyone’s hand went up,” he said. “I was blown away – I was touched. I thought, ‘Why haven’t we done this before?’”
Allen reached out to a number of charities to see they could use the help and many got back to him.
Early in the morning on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, Airmen of the 102nd Communications Flight, accompanied by others in the wing and some family members, descended on A Helping Paw, an animal humane society in Buzzards Bay, Mass.
Standing shoulder to shoulder, these proud and giving Airmen worked non-stop for hours, building care packages for the beloved pets of low-income families and seniors.
At first glance, one might question how this would help people in need. However, just think about those of us who have furry, fuzzy children in our own lives – and how many times you put their needs before your own.
Chrissy Tomkiewicz, a volunteer at the shelter said it best, “There are a lot of people out there who struggle. I don’t think people realize, especially if someone has health issues – chronic health issues – they’ve lost their job, they’re trying to make ends meet… when you come to the winter, it’s really hard to do that. You can’t afford any kind of extras.”
As pet lovers, many people sacrifice to give these valuable family members a better life. It is not uncommon for someone to ensure their dog or cat eats before they do.
“Their pets are their kids” said Tomkiewicz
Many of the gift bags that were prepared by these volunteers will go to the pets of low-income senior citizens. Not only are these pets valued members of their family, but in many cases serve a critical role in their mental and emotional well-being.
“These people are often home alone for the holidays,” said Tomkiewicz. “They don’t have families, they don’t have anyone to visit them. The pet keeps them physically active and gives them a reason to get up in the morning. The pet is mentally benefiting them. These pets are saving their lives”
The event was a great success. The gift bags that the volunteers built were delivered to upwards of a thousand needy families.
Allen plans to make these volunteer events a regular occurrence in the flight and is coordinating the next one for early 2019.
“When I reached out to see who we could help, there were a number of places that got back to me,” said Allen. “I thought ‘We could do this again’. People need help all the time. I can see this happening a few times a year.”
When asked about his thoughts on the experience, Allen said, “I saw it as a way to get people involved – a way to see what it is that they’re donating to and actually see what these organizations do.” He continued, “Even the people who just donated money, who didn’t volunteer at the event – they are going to know now that your money is actually going someplace. You are helping people.”
For the role that he played, Allen suddenly got modest. “I’m just the guy who raised his hand to be the CFC rep – all the credit goes to everybody who was willing to do this, who said ‘Yes, I’ll be there… I’m willing to help,’”
Well done, all.
| Date Taken: | 12.15.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 01.09.2019 13:02 |
| Story ID: | 306533 |
| Location: | BUZZARDS BAY, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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