Back-to-school made easy

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jacqueline Jastrzebski
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Members of the 82nd Training Wing and the base Enlisted Spouses Club facilitated a backpack drive, August 26, 2017, at the Solid Rock Café that provided school supplies for Sheppard families.

The backpacks were filled with supplies gathered by Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization that provides assistance for U.S. troops and their families around the world. Operation Homefront leads more than 2,500 volunteers with a nationwide presence providing financial assistance to the families of active duty service members and wounded warriors.

The backpack drive was organized by Staff Sgt. Lisa Pittman, 82nd Training Wing Airman Leadership School instructor, and Staff Sgt. Marrisa Actosta, 364th Training Squadron military training leader, to help lower stress and monetary burden for families during the back-to-school season.

“Staff Sgt. Acosta and I made it our mission to help families,” said Pittman. “We worked with the Airmen and Family Readiness Center and the Enlisted Spouses Club to gain support and spread the word.”

Operation Homefront provided 150 backpacks in a variety of colors and sizes for military children to choose from. All leftover supplies were donated to Sheppard Elementary and John Tower Elementary, Wichita Falls, Texas.

One lucky child chose a backpack with a hidden surprise inside. Operation Homefront teamed up with Whataburger to provide free burgers for one child for an entire year. Upon opening her backpack and discovering her prize, Phoebe Foster and her family celebrated with the congratulatory Whataburger certificate in hand.

Staff Sgt. Pittman knows that sometimes it’s the small things that show service members their hard work is appreciated. Providing supplies to help educate children alleviates stress for many of Sheppard’s families.

“As an active duty member I go to work daily giving my best effort as an instructor, mentor and Airman,” said Pittman. “However, I am also a mother and I know many other Airmen and parents who appreciate the efforts to assist their family.”