Operation Warmheart heats up the holidays

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cary Smith
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Aviano First Sergeants Council is collecting monetary and food donations for Operation Warmheart until Nov. 16 at the Aviano Commissary.

Operation Warmheart will distribute the donations to families to support the morale and welfare of Team Aviano members in need during the holidays.

"First sergeants, with the help of Airmen across the base, volunteer to run donation stands so we can give back to our Airmen," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John Ritz, 31st Medical Group first sergeant. "Most donations are received and distributed during the holidays, but the program runs all year long."

Ritz said when an Airman or family needs help in emergency situations, Operation Warmheart will assist them in whatever way they can. For Thanksgiving, Operation Warmheart will provide food baskets, filled with a whole meal and a Commissary gift certificate.

"Our goal is to make at least 200 Thanksgiving food baskets," said Ritz. "Extra baskets are donated to the chapel for their holiday program."

While Operation Warmheart focuses on helping Airmen and their families in need, volunteers get something out of it too. 

"I wanted to volunteer because there are people who can really use the help," said Senior Airman Rachelle Turner, 31st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman. "Doing this really makes me feel like I am helping because someone may just need that extra little bit to get back on their feet."

Operation Warmheart is proof that "what goes around comes around."

"As a one-striper, my first sergeant came to me and gave me a basket," said Ritz.

"This program hits home for me, and now I am in a position to give back to someone else."
Contact your first sergeant for more information on volunteer times and dates to volunteer or how to donate to Operation Warmheart.