Tyndall Airmen say thank you

  • Published
  • By Ashley M. Wright
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Thousands of Tyndall Airmen left base March 10 with one thing on their minds, saying thank you to the local community for their support of the military.

As part of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness day, Tyndall partnered with more than 40 schools, parks and non-profit agencies to complete volunteer projects throughout the community.

"CAF day is truly a win-win scenario for everyone involved," said Col. David E. Graff, 325th Fighter Wing commander. "Not only did it give Airmen the chance to get involved with local organizations, but Bay County also benefits from the Tyndall Airmen willing to sacrifice their time to give back to the community that has given us so much."

After spending the morning completing a 5K run and resiliency training focused on accomplishing goals and cultivating gratitude, Airmen went to various organizations to give back to their neighbors of more than 70 years.

One of those organizations was the Humane Society of Bay County.

"It would have taken us years to complete," said Starla Raiborn, Humane Society of Bay County general manager and Spay Bay director. "We love our Air Force volunteers."

Airmen from several units on base cleaned and organized the shelter, landscaped the grounds and helped set up Spay Bay, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic that will provide a first-of-its-kind service to Bay County when it opens later this month.

The day of service also brought benefits to Airmen performing the volunteer activities.
"It is just good to be out with my coworkers outside from work for a change," said Staff Sgt. Justin Royse, 325th Maintenance Squadron metal technologist.

Royse and his coworkers cleaned kennels and moved items to storage.

"It helps the community and gives back to the community for giving to us," he concluded.
The animal shelter was one of many events where partnerships were strengthened through the sweat of volunteers.
"The work group...was awesome," said Lori L. Hast, Margaret K. Lewis School principal, "You would not believe how much work they were able to accomplish."

Tyndall's "words to actions" campaign benefited several groups in need including the elderly and school children. Airmen could be seen throughout the day painting the gym of the Boys and Girl Club Chapman Center, working at Habitat for Humanity, cleaning local parks and having a softball tournament with Girls, Inc.

The overall event was a "smashing success" according to Corey Coleman, Tyndall community support coordinator who organized CAF day.

"The Air Force is in a time of transition," she said. "We needed to take a moment and reflect on goals and gratitude. Folks that were not expecting to enjoy the day seemed to gain a lot out of it."