First sergeants' operation warms Team Kadena hearts

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Team Kadena members gathered at the Risner Fitness Center before sunrise Sept. 30 to help Kadena's first sergeants help others.

More than 300 people registered to participate in a 6-, 10- and 20-kilometer challenge run fundraiser the "diamonds" hosted to support their non-profit program, Operation Warm Heart.

"Participating in this event seemed like a good cause. I'm always in there for the first sergeants association and supporting them, and [I got] a good run in," said Capt. Leslie Woll, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron assistant chief of tactics.

The event raised $2,850 for the program, which provides support back to Team Kadena military and family members in particular situations. As the operation is non-profit, the first sergeants rely on events like this and donations directly from individuals, base groups and organizations for support.

In 2010, the operation supplied 133 families with Thanksgiving baskets, and supported 232 children with the Angel Tree program, said Master Sgt. Jason Beyer, 1st Special Operations Squadron first sergeant.

"We also gave $1,000 to the Airman and Family Readiness Center in support of their Sunshine Voucher program, which is a food voucher program," he said.

In total, Operation Warm Heart provided approximately $19,000 in support to Team Kadena last year.

The operation helps first sergeants assist any Team Kadena member.

"It's not service-specific, so [it helps] anyone who runs into a bind, such as with repairs for cars or [support] during the holiday season," Beyer said. "We try to provide people with a 'little extra' to help them out."

The program is not the first and only source of support for Team Kadena, however.

"It's not a first stop, it's a last resort," said Master Sgt. Sara Solecki, 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadron first sergeant. "When we are asked for help, we check with the AFRC and other support agencies first, and if what the person has going on doesn't fit into any other categories, then we will step in and do what we can."

Operation Warm Heart has been a first sergeants' program as long as Beyer and Solecki can remember.

"It was around when I was a staff sergeant as a single parent, and it amazingly saved my life," Solecki said. "With three kids as a single parent on a staff sergeant's pay, my first sergeant called one day and said, 'Hey I've got something for you,' and showed up with a van full of stuff that people had donated. It really does help."

Beyer said helping people is what he enjoys most about the operation.

"I like being able to give back to the community and being able to help out those who are in need," he said. "I think that hits my heart, being able to give back to those who are hurting. We've all been there and know how far [the help] goes."