RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --
Unconcerned with the excited clamor roaring around them, two figures stood quietly, silhouetted by the bright lights of the bowling lane in front them. With anxious anticipation, they held their breath and watched the ball glide swiftly towards the pins.
Clang! Their shouts of joy burst into the air and joined the cacophony as several pins fell, vanquished to the ground.
Approximately 70 Airmen assigned to the 450th Intelligence Squadron participated in their second annual service day by volunteering throughout the Kaiserslautern Military Community, including during the Winter Special Olympics at Vogelweh Military Complex, Dec. 2.
They offered their services as “bowling buddies” for the participants, helping with arts and crafts, escorts and handing out food.
“We have people throughout the entire KMC, and this is one opportunity for everybody to get together and corral around that mindset of giving back and filling a need,” said Capt. Rena DeHenre, 450th IS Distributed Common Ground System Analysis and Reporting Team and Mission Planning Cell commander. “Let’s get out of the office, put on our civilian clothes, get comfortable, be friends and workmates together, and be able to give back. Isn’t that fantastic? It’s all the good things wrapped up into one.”
The first Friday of every month is a morale day for the 450th IS, when they participate in activities such as playing volleyball or having a barbeque. However, in the month of December and in the spirit of the holidays, the entire squadron volunteers throughout the community.
“I love volunteering, I really do,” DeHenre said. “I find joy in giving back. This is so exciting for me. If my commander’s intent was to heighten people’s morale, get them out of the office, give them an idea to wrap their minds around and rally around service day, she’s got me hooked. I’m really excited to be here today.”
Along with the Winter Special Olympics, 450th IS Airmen volunteered at the Northside Post Office and Ramstein’s Airman’s Attic, while others lent a hand at the USO and Fisher House at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
At the Fisher House, the Airmen helped distribute cookies, set up, and break down for the house’s tree-lighting ceremony.
“I am eternally grateful because we’re short-staffed right now,” said Vivian Wilson, Fisher House director. “The 450th IS is a lifesaver in helping us have this beautiful event for our community. It’s always good to have the military community taking part in what we’re all about, and that’s servicing our men and women in uniform and their families while they’re going through a medical crisis.”
DeHenre called many organizations to see where the squadron could volunteer, and chose the ones that had the greatest need.
“There always seemed to be something that organizations needed us to do,” DeHenre said. “It was almost like there were too many events and not enough Airmen to be able to help with everything. It was really interesting, because I didn’t know how big of a demand there was, especially this time of the year, for our Airmen to be able to give back.”
The squadron’s service day goes hand–in-hand with their “warbird culture,” DeHenre said.
“Our mantra within the 450th is we’re innovators, forward thinkers and we’re always trying to find answers to questions,” she said. “I think our service day is another reflection of trying to answer the community’s needs. As we continue this iteration of our service day, I’m just excited I get to be a part of it.”
Giving back to others and the community is what the holidays are all about, and the 450th IS embraced the season with their service to others.