U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Terry Owens, 27th Special Operations Communications Squadron radar maintenance, greets a family during a volunteer effort at a local church in Clovis, N.M., Oct. 13, 2012. Owens acted as the primary liaison for a volunteer effort between Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., and church to provide coats, beanies and gloves to low-income families within surrounding communities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal)
Coats line a clothing rack at a local church in Clovis, N.M., Oct. 13, 2012. Staff Sgt. Terry Owens, 27th Special Operations Communications Squadron radar maintenance, acted as the primary liaison for a volunteer effort between Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., and church to provide coats, beanies and gloves to low-income families within surrounding communities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal)
by Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
10/15/2012 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- *This feature is the second in a series of Air Commando community volunteer highlights.
The morning air is cool and crisp. A steady breeze has more than a dozen families closely huddled together to keep warm while they wait in line for provisions they sorely need with winter fast approaching.
Staff Sgt. Terry Owens, 27th Special Operations Communications Squadron radar maintenance, teamed up with a local church in an effort to provide coats, beanies and gloves to low-income families within the Clovis and Portales, N.M., communities.
This NCO stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., acted as the primary liaison for the volunteer effort between the base and church and was able to collect more than 250 coats from agencies within the 27th Special Operations Wing. More than 1,000 winter gear items were collected and provided to families.
"This effort was all about instilling faith within our surrounding communities," Owens said. "I really wanted to show our Clovis and Portales neighbors that they are cared for by their military service members."
Owens thoroughly enjoys getting involved with his local church, particularly working with youth groups. He is actively engaged in the "oneighty" mentorship program that pulls more than 300 teenagers on a weekly basis along with the "celebrate recovery" initiative which provides support to recovering addicts.
The radar maintainer also takes every opportunity to mentor young Airmen at Cannon. He is currently assisting the 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron as an Airman Dorm Leader and has served as a Commando Pride Airman Center team lead.
"My faith and beliefs are really what inspire me to help out and get involved at Cannon and within my community," Owens added. "It's a personal calling that drives me to go beyond my day-to-day service as a military member."
The Air Commando is a member with Cannon's 5/6ers, is an Air Commando Enlisted Society mentor and volunteers with the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program. Once his Air Force commitment is complete, he hopes to become a youth pastor to continue shaping young minds.
"You never know what the overall impact will be when you lend a hand," Owens stated. "What we do as service members should never be about recognition or bullets; it should be about knowing that at the end of the day you made someone's life better through your efforts and dedication."
