Gunslinger Helping Hands, taking care of Airmen’s families

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MONT. --  The 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron is the cause of quite a bit of talk on base since the implementation of their Gunslinger Helping Hands program.

Approximately four months ago, the 341st MSFS commander Maj. Jeremy Sheppard briefed the idea of having a group of volunteers on-call to perform services for defenders' families.

These services include yard work, snow shoveling, assistance with vehicle troubles, handywork, pet care and transportation.

"It's an idea I had knowing that we have 400-plus defenders deployed-in-place five days at a time," said Sheppard. "A schedule like that can be tougher. Families have life happen when their military member deploys to the missile complex. We have a significant footprint of Gunslingers here willing to help out. (Gunslinger Helping Hands) is by Airmen, for Airmen."

When security forces members post out to the field, their families lose that support system they provide. The Gunslingers are here to help cover that gap.

"This base is unique," said Master Sgt. Jeremiah Scott, 341st MSFS superintendent. "Here, we post out for a week. We aren't here so families are stuck while their defender is away. No other base I've ever been to does this, so we want to keep everyone happy."

Scott and Sheppard keep fliers for the program readily available for security forces members to take home for their families.

"The biggest part is the communication piece," said Sheppard. "Don't be too proud to call for help."

The 341st MSFS has gathered a total of 96 volunteers who are willing to lend a helping hand to their wingmen in need.

"People recognized the goodness the program can be,' said Sheppard. "People also recognized the need and are willing and able to help."

Nick Chobot, 341st MSFS unit program coordinator, and Scott spent a morning shoveling snow from what they thought would be a small driveway.

"The driveway was huge," said Scott. "It took about an hour to remove the snow. Not only does (Gunslinger Helping Hands) keep our defenders' families safe when they are (posted out), we've also provided transportation for families. It's all about taking care of families, fellow Airmen and the families' needs," said Scott.

Since the program launched, the 341st MSFS has gained the attention of base leadership in a positive way.

The rumor is that the 341st Missile Wing will adopt the program base-wide.

This should come as no surprise. Gunslinger Helping Hands is exactly the kind of program that lines up perfectly with the priorities of Col. Tom Wilcox, 341st Missile Wing commander, and 20th Air Force.

Caring for Airmen and families is a huge part of the Air Force's priorities. The focus is to provide relevant and informed programs to build resiliency to reach the goal of having understanding, support and a respect for people who serve our nation, both in and out of uniform.

"Taking care of Airmen and families is Gunslinger Helping Hands by definition," said Sheppard. "(The base) focuses on the mission, taking care of folks and families. It's successful, it's objective and it's improving."

The Gunslinger Helping Hands program is right on target.

"(Our volunteers) fully embody the wingman culture," said Sheppard. "They get it - the positive impact. The wingman culture is alive and well in MSFS."

Operational Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To volunteer or to request a Gunslinger's Helping Hand for services contact Master Sgt. Jeremiah Scott at 731-4383 or Tech. Sgt. Christopher King at 731-3670.