Commmunity hosts Thanksgiving dinner for Airmen Published Dec. 2, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Five-hundred thirty-six Airmen in Training were provided the opportunity to get to know the community outside of Sheppard during Operation Thanksgiving Nov. 27. Most non-prior service Airmen do not get to celebrate Thanksgiving with family. Operation Thanksgiving has allowed families in Sheppard's neighboring communities to host dinner for AiT for 31 years. Kim Hamberger, a community member who hosted dinner for 10 Airmen this year, said she has hosted Thanksgiving dinner for the Airmen since 2003. "It's just a way to bless others that bless us every day," she said. "As a community there is not enough that we can do to say 'thank you' and it's just an opportunity to thank the people willing to give their life." The Airmen were in awe of the hospitality of Ms. Hamberger, and other host families, and greatly appreciated it. "It's a time to get together and it really is not fun being by yourself," said Airman Brian Waldbillig, an Airman in the 364th Training Squadron. "It's hard to find people that actually care. And, having someone you don't even know take you in and treat you like you're family says a lot. It says (the community members) support us and we have a place to go." Airman Diego Cancino, a student in the 361st Training Squadron, agreed with Airman Waldbillig. "When people care for us in the community, it makes me proud of what I do," he said. "Everyone should be like this (the Hambergers.)" Even Sheppard's permanent party Airmen wanted to give AiT a sense of being at home. Airman 1st Class Ashlee McClease, a personnelist with the 82nd Mission Support Squadron, said she participated in Operation Thanksgiving because there is a connection between fellow Airmen. "They are my family," she said, "and I didn't want to leave my family alone for Thanksgiving."