Malmstrom Airmen, local Federal employees lend hand during Day of Caring

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  • By Staff Sgt. Dillon White
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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  More than 170 Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and federal volunteers gathered at the Great Falls Post Office Oct. 22 to receive marching orders to 64 homes in the local community to assist the elderly and disabled people with tasks ranging from raking leaves to repairing deck rails.

The Day of Caring is held in conjunction with the Combined Federal Campaign and provides federal employees and Malmstrom Airmen an additional avenue to give back to their community.

"This gives people a way to donate in a physical way and a lot of people downtown really look forward to it," said Master Sgt. Jason Halvari, 12th Missile Squadron facility manager and 2010 Day of Caring project officer. "A lot of people came out to contribute and it's been a rewarding experience. I appreciate all the help from everybody in the area and am amazed by the turn-out and willingness of everyone to come down and give their time to help their community."

While some volunteers found themselves tightening screws and cleaning windows or even helping someone learn to use their printer, the majority of the work was conducted outside under bare autumn trees.

"We've been raking up leaves and pulling leaves out of her flowers," said Staff Sgt. Jared Bratsberg, 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management analysis technician, about the work he was doing for an elderly woman in the community. "She said she had hurt her arms, so she wasn't able to rake her own lawn - I have good wrists, so I might as well do it."

Asked why he came out to volunteer, Sergeant Bratsberg said, "I'm originally from California and I've been here for four years and I've gotten a lot out of this city and they've given a lot to me, so when I can, it feels good to get out and give a little bit back."

While the majority of volunteers were from Malmstrom, the United Way contributed funding to purchase rakes and cleaning supplies and employees of the Great Falls Post Office collected the work requests and coordinated the event.

"They're really excited about this and it gives them a chance to meet some young people," said Nancy Donovan, Great Falls Post Office secretary to the post master and event coordinator. "It's a federal contribution day so any federal employee in the area is welcome to join us."

Ms. Donovan took the requests this year and said among the more interesting requests this year included a veteran who needed his pants hemmed following recovery from a vehicle accident that left his legs several inches shorter. An employee at the Great Falls Post Office completed the thread work and now he no longer trips on his pant legs.

"[We] certainly thank Malmstrom - without you guys we certainly wouldn't be able to do this, you contribute the majority of our help," Mrs. Donovan said. "It means so much to the people in this community -- to go out and share their stories the people get so excited about the young people and their energy. We're very grateful."