Air Force brings holiday cheer to Warrior and Family Support Center

  • Published
  • By Steve Elliott
  • Fort Sam Houston Public Affairs
12/16/2009 - FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas --  The U.S. Air Force came bearing gifts to Fort Sam Houston's Warrior and Family Support Center Dec. 15, bringing holiday cheer to wounded warriors and their Families.

Almost a dozen groups from throughout Lackland Air Force Base, a Cub Scout troop and a self-defense group got involved in collecting money and a potpourri of items for those who use the facility.

"The Secretary and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force named July 2009 through July 2010 as Year of the Air Force Family," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Dawn MacKenzie.

"It's being used to highlight the many successful programs already in place and to inform Airmen and their Families of the development of new programs.

"The idea for the Wounded Warrior Donation Drive came about when it was publicized that November was Wounded Warrior Month," said Sergeant MacKenzie, who is assigned to the 59th Mental Health Squadron at Wilford Hall Medical Center.

"When I found out Lackland had not created a formal event for the month, I jumped into high gear locating the best facility that directly impacted the lives of all wounded and their Families. Since the Warrior and Family Support Center helps service members and families being seen at Brooke Army Medical Center and the Center for the Intrepid, I thought they were the best organization to support."

The Lackland agencies offering assistance included the 24th Air Force; Headquarters Air Force Security Forces Center; the Lackland AFB Sexual Assault Prevention Office; 37th Logistics Squadron; the 319th, 320th and 322nd Training Squadrons; the Air Force Reserve Squadron; Air Force Space Command; 37th Security Forces Armory; a local Wolf Cub Scout troop; and the San Antonio Krav Maga Regional Training Center.

"The San Antonio KMRTC held a training event Dec. 12, teaching basic skills to avoid knife threats and attacks," Sergeant MacKenzie said. "They charged $30 per person, or $30 worth of donated items, and had about 76 people registered for the training."

A large amount of the donations are items like toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, combs, shaving items, MacKenzie added. Also donated were a number of gift cards, candy, diapers, wipes, and food.

WFSC Program Manager Judith Markelz accepted the items and thanked the Air Force members for their support. She noted that the Air Force and Army might wear different uniforms, but both are part of the same military.

"So many people, groups and units came together to make this happen," Sergeant MacKenzie said. "We'll look forward to finding other ways to come out and support the Warrior and Family Support Center again."