JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
It was billed as the Chiefs' Steak Burn, as approximately 19 chief master sergeants from the Andrews' Chiefs' Group toiled under the early morning rain and throughout the insistent evening sun, grilling steaks-to-order, during a recent fundraiser in the parking lot near the base theater July 15.
A total of 29 combined chiefs from various commands sold tickets and manned the grills to promote the first-time event, with the purpose of raising money to donate to various Airman programs.
"Our goal was to raise funds to continue supporting enlisted-centric professional development and recognition programs as well as philanthropic and social functions held throughout the year," noted Chief Master Sgt. Tundra T. Gatewood, 779th Surgical Operations Squadron superintendent and Andrews' Chiefs' Group president. "As chiefs, we are committed to the general welfare of our enlisted force, providing both leadership and financial support. With our Airmen's best interest in mind, we hosted our first ever steak burn, which was a substantial fundraising effort," concluded Chief Gatewood.
Amongst the chief gathering was Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley, 316th Wing command chief, who rolled up his sleeves to lend a helping hand. "Our hope is that events such as this will continue to be a tradition on Andrews, because taking care of people should be all of our business," said Chief Brinkley. "The chiefs' ability to raise funds is directly connected to programs needed to support our military members and their families on Joint Base Andrews. My overall thought has always been that someone has to plant a tree for someone else to sit in the shade," said Chief Brinkley, referring to the kickoff event blossoming into future fundraising endeavors to support the base community.
Throughout the day, several Airmen picked up food orders for their fellow squadron members; some unaware of the event's primary beneficial intent. "It's awesome that the chiefs would do this fundraiser to support the Airmen events," said Airman 1st Class Elizabeth LeFaive, 316th Command Post Special Air Mission controller. "We're always in need of extra money to fund our events."
Chief Gatewood summed up the Chiefs' Group motivation for making the steak burn an
annual event. "Our enlisted personnel are the heart and soul of our operations and, thus, deserve our commitment to their success," said Chief Gatewood. "We are sincerely grateful to everyone who supported this fundraiser and look forward to next year's event."
By the end of the day, the Chiefs' Group prepared more than 500 steak dinners, which included a baked potato and salad. The event garnered approximately $3,000, which will support events such as the Annual Award Banquets (all wings); Air Force District of Washington Chief's Orientation and Induction Ceremony; Senior Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony; Airman Leadership School; First-Term Airman Center; Air Force Sergeants Association; Senior Noncommissioned Officer, Noncommissioned Officer and Airmen Professional Enhancement Courses; Chiefs' Group-Sponsored Scholarships; Enlisted Promotion Ceremonies; Holiday Socials; Dorm Block Party; and Chief Master Sergeant Retirements.
The remainder of steak dinners was delivered to night shift workers assigned to 316th Security Forces Squadron, 779th Aeromedical Staging Facility, 1st Helicopter Squadron, Emergency Room, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron/Fire Department and 89th Aerial Port Squadron.
Among the Andrews organizations represented by volunteering chiefs was Air Force District of Washington, 79th Medical Wing, 779th Medical Group, 779th Surgical Operations Squadron; 779th Medical Support Squadron, 779th Medical Operations Squadron, 316th Wing, 316th Civil Engineering Squadron, 316th Security Forces Squadron, 89th Airlift Wing, 89th Operations Group, 89th Airlift Support Group, Air Force Element - Medical, and Air Force Office of Special Investigations.