DeCA Commisary Commando winnings go to help others

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When Sheppard won the $1,500 grand prize for winning the world-wide Department of Defense Commissary Commando Competition in May, the only question that followed was - what can we do with it?

That was answered recently when it was decided the money would go to Sheppard's Airman & Family Readiness Center to help other Airmen during the holidays. Every year the Airman and Family Readiness Center donates baskets to Airmen and families in need. The baskets made for the families are usually driven by donations from the community, the Chaplain Division, the community center, United Way and other entities. This year the center had extra help after receiving the $1,500 that many Sheppard occupants and employees helped earn.

First Lt. Daniel Chavez, 381st Training Squadron section commander, said the baskets were distributed by each squadron's first sergeant, and that it was an incredible feeling knowing that so many families were being helped out this year.

"It really took team work to make all of this happen, get all these families fed and just knowing that I had part in such an extraordinary thing. (This) has put me on a mental high the past few days," the lieutenant said.

Charley Ringwood, a community readiness consultant at the A&FRC, said there were about 220 baskets that were made by Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon, 82nd Training Wing commander, and the A&FRC staff.

"I have been helping this event for about the last 15 years," Mr. Ringwood said. "The baskets went out to all branches of the military, not just the Airmen."

Sheppard also trains Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and some from the Coast Guard.
Lieutenant Chavez said he was pleased that the prize money came at such a great time and went to a great cause.

"So the real question is this: what was the real grand prize for getting approximately 4,000 Airmen to the commissary in one day?" the lieutenant asked. "The answer is knowing that 220 of our brothers and sisters get to have a great Thanksgiving like the rest of us."