ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Ch. (Capt.) Andrew Thornley, 316th Wing Chapel Senior Protestant chaplain, presented Senior Master Sgt. John Turner, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant and First Sergeant Council president, a check for $5,780.91 as a part of Operation Caring Spirit to help Airmen in need during the holiday season at a ceremony at Chapel 1 recently.
Thanks to the efforts of Operation Caring Spirit, Chaplain Thornley, the chapel's Protestant community, and the First Sergeant's Council, many Airmen on base had a nicer Thanksgiving than may have been expected.
"The chapel and the first sergeants have had a long-standing solid relationship that centers around taking care of people," said Sergeant Turner. "Every year we have a number of events like this one where we join forces. Our combined efforts greatly increase the ability to reach out to the Airmen."
As a result of the joint effort, the yearly project has continued to grow.
"Operation Caring Spirit has evolved from a small grocery bag going to a few Airmen to a program that will support more than 225 Airmen," said Sergeant Turner. "It provides an opportunity for the Air Force to give back to our junior members in need. The money raised means each recipient will receive a $25 commissary gift certificate in addition to a turkey."
Sergeant Turner said that while the program does not guarantee every Airman a turkey, it does help to provide comfort to those who would otherwise go without.
"In today's Air Force every Airman is important so taking care of every Airman - and their families - is critical," he said.
"The idea to give to the First Sergeants Council project reflects the generosity and community spirit that is alive and well in the base chapel. We want to be a blessing to our community," Chaplain Thornley said of the gift from the Protestant chapel community.