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Airmen serve up support

  • Published
  • By Airman Elliott Sprehe
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Some Airmen take for granted the food allowance given to them, whether it's a meal card or basic allowance for subsistence, so for them to give back to those in need shows the support servicemembers have for their local communities. 

The Cannon Junior Enlisted Council, or CJEC, began a commitment to spend one week a month delivering meals for the local Meals on Wheels, a volunteer non-profit organization that provides nutritional meals to people who are unable to get their own. 

"We contract with the hospital to make the meals," said Penny Burns, executive coordinator for Clovis Meals on Wheels. 

There is a small fee the individuals pay for the meals, usually about half of the cost of the meals, said Ms. Burns. Cash donations cover the rest of the cost. 

CJEC Airmen heard of the volunteer opportunity through Master Sgt. Darrell Harris, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Squadron, said Airman 1st Class Velia Bravo, the CJEC treasurer and former acting president. 

"He (Sergeant Harris) volunteered for Meals on Wheels in the past and thought that it would be a good idea for CJEC," said Airman Bravo, "so we contacted Penny and let her know we were interested in doing it once a month." 

Airman Bravo sent out a request for volunteers to do Meals on Wheels on a Friday, and by Monday the schedule was full. 

Those who are on the Meals on Wheels program receive one meal per day each day, said Ms. Burns. The Clovis Meals on Wheels serves approximately 40 people within the Clovis city limits. 

"We deliver six routes a day, seven days a week, so it takes a tremendous amount of volunteers to keep the program going," said Ms. Burns. 

"The recipients love it when military members show up in uniform," said Ms. Burns. 

"It's nice just to go and deliver and (the individuals) will be very grateful. Just to see a smile on their face is nice," said Airman Bravo. 

For people interested in donating to Clovis Meals on Wheels call 769-7535. If you're an Airman interested in volunteering your time, e-mail CJEC at 27SOW.JuniorEnlistedCouncil@cannon.af.mil.

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