Angels in the trees help service members, families

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Moore
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  First sergeants, friends and onlookers gathered as the Angel Tree 2015 kickoff ceremony began Dec. 7, in the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center's food court at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Ran by the Kaiserslautern Military Community First Sergeant Council, Angel Tree is an annual outreach program whose goal is to provide assistance to Airmen and their families throughout the KMC, especially during the holiday season, and continued support throughout the year.

"The holiday season can be financially difficult for service members and their families," said Master Sgt. Allen Lewis, 450th Intelligence Squadron first sergeant and Angel Tree 2015 chair. "Angel Tree is a way that we can help alleviate some of the stress that comes along with this time of year."

The program can help Airmen who need assistance with unforeseen financial difficulties, securing travel due to medical or emergency crisis, or purchasing gifts for children during the holiday season.

"All of the money collected is used toward holiday food drives, toy drives and other initiatives through Operation Warmheart," said Master Sgt. Kimberly Dixon, 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron first sergeant and Angel Tree 2015 co-chair. "This year, Operation Warmheart is on-pace to give back $30,000 to the KMC."

While first sergeants are primarily responsible for referring families that may need help, they also rely on individuals who may be closer to the person in need of assistance.

"Our job allows us to take the time to get to know our Airmen," said Lewis. "So, we often know when they have run into a difficult time, but we can't catch everything. That's why we rely on direct supervisors and others in leadership roles to help identify an Airman in need."

Anyone can help a wingman in need through the Angel Tree program, and they can do more than identifying him or her.

At 17 locations throughout the KMC, you can find trees adorned with donation envelopes. Anyone willing to give can take an envelope, place their donation inside, and then insert the sealed envelope into a designated collection box near any one of the 17 trees.

"The envelopes have suggested donations, but we accept whatever someone is generous enough to give," said Dixon. "Any help we can get to make someone's holidays a little easier is greatly appreciated.  A little more joy is always welcomed."

The trees can be found in the KMCC, Ramstein and Vogelweh shoppettes, Ramstein and Vogelweh commissaries, KMC chapels, the Ramstein Enlisted and Officer Clubs, Ramstein's Southside Subway, the PAX Terminal, Vogelweh Post Office, Ramstein Northside Post Office and the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center food court.

Donations will be accepted until Jan. 5, 2016.