First sergeants begin Operation Warmheart Nov. 14

  • Published
  • By Airman Sadie Colbert
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  With Thanksgiving approaching, the 28th Bomb Wing first sergeants will begin preparing food baskets for Operation Warmheart Nov. 14.

Managed by Ellsworth's first sergeants, or "First Shirts," Operation Warmheart is an annual program that provides select Airmen with an assortment of holiday food items, providing relief for military members during the holiday season.

"We're using our best judgment when selecting candidates for the program," said Master Sgt. Allen Minner, 28th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant. "It allows us to give servicemembers extra care who may appreciate it during the holidays."

Last year, First Shirts delivered nearly 200 baskets to families, gave monetary grants varying from $70 to $250, totaling more than $7,000, and distributed more than $1,000 worth of toys to 50 families during Christmas.

Minner added they are not just targeting people going through financial hardships, but also those who may be financially stable but dealing with the stresses of being a single parent or supporting a large family.

"It's a great program," said Master Sgt. Jennifer Thielke, 28th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "It allows us to directly reach out and affect our Airmen in a positive manner, and that makes it important."

According to Minner, the biggest take-away from the program is not the monetary aspect - it is the fact that the Air Force cares about its Airmen.

"It doesn't change someone's financial position," Minner said. "It's more of letting people know organizations on-base care about them, and sometimes putting that message out there helps their overall outlook."

For more information on Operation Warmheart, Airmen may contact their respective first sergeant.