FTAC Airmen treated to free lunch

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Brosam
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  First-term Airmen were treated to a free lunch at the First Four Airman's Center March 25 after completing a week-long series of meeting and briefings. 

Airmen new to both the Air Force and the base attend the briefings at the First Term Airmen's Center to learn about the mission and services available to them. On the last day, Airmen are able to enjoy a free lunch full of assorted foods, hosted each time by various groups and units. The Airmen are also able to relax and play video games, board games, watch TV, or just interact with each other.

Jessica Cooley, an 819th RED HORSE Squadron key spouse mentor, decided to bring it to the 819th RHS to plan and execute a "soul food" themed luncheon and bring a home-cooked meal to the Airmen.

"We came together with this awesome plan," said Cooley. "I don't think the base was prepared for what we did and how big it was going to be."

It all began with the idea being raised to the unit in hopes everyone would be willing to pitch in and put the event together. However, it turned out to be more than what was expected - nearly the entire unit began to donate and collaborate to help feed the hungry Airmen.

In less than two months, the unit raised more than $500 to put toward supplying the food for 64 Airmen.

Without the help from Senior Airmen Kenneth Rivera, Bradlee Cullum and Paul Brooks, and Staff Sgts. Kyle Murphy, Heidi Agustin-Dominguez, Terell Ballard and Cindy Sprague, all 819th RHS members, the lunch could not have been as successful as it was.

The Airmen came together and planned the logistics including the menu, how much food was needed, how the food would be cooked, where the food would be cooked and all took on the job to cook and serve the food at the event.

"It blew me away," said Cooley. "These guys took the reins and ran with it. They are the superstars."

All of the 819th RHS Airmen who took on the responsibilities to plan the event said it was a total team effort. Not one Airman took full credit and it shows the bond, camaraderie and respect the unit has for one another.

Airman First Class Christopher Redrick, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron defender and FTAC attendee, said the lunch really made up for the long week of briefings.

"It was good," said Redrick. "So far (being here) has been really nice."

At the end of the lunch, Airmen thanked the hosts for cooking and preparing the meal and they all left with a fuller stomach than when they arrived.