Local church donates to Airmen overseas

Published Jan. 31, 2008
552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- St. Philip Neri Parish in Midwest City sent several boxes of goodies to Tinker troops overseas.
   This past fall the Philip Neri's Sunday school class, which often supports community volunteer projects, created their own project, treats for Troops, to show their appreciation for deployed Airmen.
   "It took three years to get this project off the ground and really get it to blossom," said Pat Gripka, director of Religious Education at the church. "We are closely affiliated to the military (community) because of our location and have several military members who attend service here at the parish.
   "That is why it was so important to us to start Treats for Troops and recognize the Airmen from our hometown."
   Treats for Troops sent snacks, hygienic products and electronic entertainment to Airmen deployed from Tinker to foreign locations.
   The Sunday school class that began this project reached out to all Philip Neri members for morale boosting donations. The congregation responded in abundance, sending everything from cookies to razors. One member even donated an Xbox 360, a popular new video gaming system that will likely end up in the dayroom of a base in Ecuador or Southwest Asia.
   "We understand how hard it can be to be away from your family so many times throughout the year, especially during the holidays," said Ms. Gripka. "That's why every fall we will have this drive, to make the holidays and beyond a little bit more comfortable for those fighting for freedom."
   Treats for Troops also provides school supply donations for the local community of Manta, Ecuador, where the children are in need of even the most basic items such as pencils, folders, paper and crayons.
   Treats for Troops was introduced to the recently deployed 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron when they picked up items to be delivered on the next flight out to deployed locations.
   "I was asked by our director of operations to take over this program for the rotation, and with friends that are deployed, I couldn't turn it down," said Capt. Timothy Billings, a member of the 964th AACS. "The care packages show that everyone back home cares.
   When you've had your first Twinkie in two months, it puts a huge smile on your face."
   Airman First Class Cory Lincoln, an air surveillance technician, who deployed to Manta with the 964th AACS agreed with Captain Billings.
   "It's nice to know the people back home are thinking about us, and the items are always so useful," said Airman Lincoln. "And when we deliver the school items to the local community centers and orphanages the children get so excited, it really makes a difference in their lives."