A kind heart is a warm heart

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale's Operation Warm Heart program is collecting donations for the holiday season in front of the commissary during the entire month of October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

OWH is a program managed by the First Sergeant's Council geared toward helping Airmen and their families have financial hardships by providing grants to support them in their time of need. OWH offsets supporting agencies such as Air Force Aid, who provide small loans without interest.

The OWH program is funded through donations from individuals and organizations, including chapel and commissary patrons.

Operation Warm Heart allows the First Sergeant's Council another avenue to help the Airmen out said Master Sgt. Bryan Wilson, 2nd Operations Group first sergeant.

"Last year, we helped 400 families between Thanksgiving and Christmas," he said. "They received either commissary gift certificates or gift boxes."

Gift boxes, filled with various food items, are provided through a private organization.

In 2010, approximately $24,000 worth of food was given to help families throughout Barksdale.

"Operation Warm Heart unites Airmen, veterans and civilians who take care of each other in the spirit of family, sacrifice and care," said Senior Master Sgt. Todd Albert, 8th Air Force first sergeant. "It's the gentle hand that calms the frustrated spirit and brings peace of mind, understanding and a sense of unity to all involved. We all know that it's not about us. It is about taking care of the people we serve."

The base commissary allows OWH to utilize the facilities to collect donations. Volunteers collected over $1,000 on Oct. 4 through the generosity and kindheartedness of customers.

OWH helps to create an awareness in the community of what is available, said James Norfleet, commissary assistant store director. It lets people know that they can get help or help others who are less fortunate than they are.

"It helps open up a line of communication," said Norfleet. "This is your community, this is what we can do for your community, and this is what you can do to help your community."

OWH is not only a program for the holidays. Anyone can donate throughout the year to help their fellow Airmen.

"Throughout the year first sergeants provide anonymous relief to distressed families, usually associated with natural disasters or financial difficulty," said Albert. "Anyone interested in donating can do so by contacting any first sergeant."

"I am a first sergeant," he adds. " My job is people and caring for them is our business!"

Donations can also be made at Chapel 1 Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m