Hawaii's Air Guard feeds underprivileged

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Betty J. Squatrito-Martin
  • 154th Wing Public Affairs
HONOLULU --  Amidst the thunder,  lightning and an island wide power outage, the Hawaii Air National Guard and the 15th Airlift Wing prepared a ray of sunshine for Honolulu's less fortunate here Dec. 27. 

On the day before, Team Hickam's 15th Services Squadron began cooking 40 turkeys and 140 hams that were needed for a planned holiday meal to benefit the underprivileged, and  it was the duty of Hawaii Air National Guard Airmen to complete the task -- they were not about to let the Christmas event take a back seat to weather.  

"Citizen soldiers have been contributing to the community since the birth of the National Guard," said Lt. Col. Rob Hoffman, commander, 202nd Air Mobility Operations Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard. "This is just another example of more of the same; these guys are the perfect example of the citizen soldier."

Reports said power was going to be out for hours. Despite the weather and  uncertainty of power several Guardsmen, living the motto "service before self," made their way to Hickam Air Force Base in the wee hours of the morning.  As luck would have it, power was restored to the 154th Wing dining facility around 5:00 a.m. , giving Airmen just enough time to complete the meal and transport it downtown for the feast.

"It's about giving back. You feel better about yourself when you can help others in need, especially during the Holiday Season," said Staff Sgt. Justin Suga, 154th Services Flight.

"Helping the Island people is a blessing," added Tech. Sgt. Greg Ramos, 154th Services assistant readiness chief.

Although Saturday's events was primarily comprised of Guard members, preparing and serving the meal was a team Hickam effort.

"We all need each other," said Master Sgt. Glenda Buis, 154th Mission Support Group executive assistant, as a smile lit up her face.

"These Airmen gave of their time to make sure this event happened," said Colonel Hoffman. "It is the ultimate Christmas story."  

In addition to cooking the turkey and ham, Team Hickam helped serve the holiday meal. Each time a plate was filled, heartfelt thanks could be heard.