Locally deployed Airmen get some TLC during holidays

  • Published
  • By Airman Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  For locally deployed Airmen stationed within Malmstrom's 13,800 square mile missile field, feeling the holiday spirit can be a little tougher than for those who spend the holidays with their families. Thankfully, due to a little left over Thanksgiving spirit from one Airman's family, these locally deployed men and women will receive a little taste of home from a very sweet donation.

Airman 1st Class Kelsey Pilat, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron support team leader, took the lead on disseminating more than 1,000 items and nearly $500 in gift cards to Airmen posted to the 15 missile alert facilities in Malmstrom's missile field.

Pilat's family has a soft spot for the Airmen at Malmstrom and initiated the food drop.

"This donation came to be through coordination with members of my family and a company called the Advanced Home Health Services, which is based in San Antonio, Texas," Pilat said.

In past years the company has fed thousands of homeless people in San Antonio at Thanksgiving, she said.

"This year they were looking for another project to do for the holidays, which is when my mother brought up the idea of helping out the Airmen here at Malmstrom," Pilat said. "After a little brainstorming, they came to the conclusion to send the donations my way to help out the troops and families of the Airmen here, especially the ones out in the field."

According to Pilat, she had anticipated that the donation would be fairly big but says she did not expect how huge it would actually turn out to be.

A fraction of the items she received included 165 boxes of granola bars, 110 packages of crackers, 72 boxes of cereal, 58 boxes of candy, 94 packages of gum, 22 pairs of fuzzy socks and more than 30 'thank you' cards.

With the amount of food and supplies sent, her office was able to help the Airmen stationed not only out in the field, but also at various locations around base.

"Above all, my leadership gave me way more help and support than I ever could have asked for," said Pilat. "They each genuinely care for all of their troops and it definitely showed with this project. They were never hesitant to stop what they were doing to help me find a contact number, shoot a quick email or just give me ideas in general.

"Without them, there is absolutely no way I would have been able to pull this off," she continued. "Airmen helping Airmen is exactly what this project was and hopefully these packages will serve as a little pick-me-up for those who are working and let them know that their service to their country is really appreciated."