Tinker Airmen take time to give back in local community volunteer efforts Published April 2, 2010 By Brandice J. Armstrong Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Two groups within the 3rd Combat Communications Group and 552nd Air Control Wing are making a difference. They are volunteering. Several Airmen within the 3rd Herd spent a weekend in early March at the Ronald McDonald House of Oklahoma City performing odds-and-ends' tasks. A group within the 552nd ACW participates in a weekly mentoring program at a local elementary school. "By doing what we did and what others have done through their volunteer efforts, a positive change is made, greater than what we can imagine," said Senior Airman Justin Gross, lead organizer for the 3rd Herd's Volunteer Task Force. "Just knowing that you have taken part in something greater than yourself is fulfilling in many different ways." Airman Gross contacted the Ronald McDonald House in mid-February to talk about volunteering opportunities. After several meetings, it was decided that the Herd would go over on March 6 to reorganize and clean the supply shelter. Airman Gross said he chose the Ronald McDonald House for personal reasons. In the early 1990s, Airman Gross said his family frequented a Ronald McDonald House in Rochester, Minn. "Without their hospitality, kindness and availability, it would have been extremely difficult for my family to be by my little brother's side as he survived four major heart surgeries at the Mayo Clinic," the Airman said. "Since I have had an income, a portion of it has been donated to the Ronald McDonald House organization." Michael Gross, who had the surgeries between ages 4 and 11, is now pursuing an honors pre-medicine degree from the University of Miami. Sixteen Airmen from the 3rd Herd, plus one spouse and one Airman from the 72nd Medical Group volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House that day. Airman 1st Class Jeff Alexandre of the 33rd Combat Communications Squadron said before the trip to the Ronald McDonald House, he'd done some volunteering with his work shop. But, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House has inspired him to branch out and touch other organizations. "My work center got me interested in volunteering, so I decided to take a Saturday morning to try it on my own and based on my experience at the Ronald McDonald House, I will be doing it more frequently," Airman Alexandre said. Airman 1st Class Heather Michael and Capt. Chuck Gomes of the 552nd ACW said since August 2009, they have been part of an unofficial wing volunteer mentoring program, in which on Tuesday afternoons they visit a local elementary school and tutor its students. At Telstar Elementary School in northeast Oklahoma City, the volunteers mentor first through fifth graders. Many of the students come from economically-challenged families. "I continue to go because I feel like I am really helping children overcome learning challenges," said Airman Michael of the 552nd Training Squadron. "I feel like the children really look up to military members who take time to come tutor them, which encourages them to study harder and shows them some of the benefits a good education can bring. It is also a great way for the children to get remedial training without expanding the school's budget." Captain Gomes, of the 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron, agreed. "I like the fact that I'm able to reach out and impact a number of children, not just one," he said. "The kids seem genuinely appreciative of us being there." For more information on the tutoring program, call Staff Sgt. Heather Maines, tutoring volunteer coordinator, at 734-4851. To volunteer with the 3rd Herd, call Airman Gross at 734-3935.