Deployed reservists donate medical equipment to Bulgarian hospital

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Erik Hofmeyer
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Approximately 200 reservists from Homestead Air Reserve Base opened their wallets and raised $2,800 to purchase a new cardiac monitor for the children's ward at local hospital during a recent deployment to Graf-Isnatievo Air Base, Bulgaria.

The 482nd Fighter Wing reservists deployed with 10 F-16s to train with Bulgarian Air Force MiG 21 and 29 fighter jets, but also wanted to make a lasting contribution to the people of Bulgaria.

The plan came to mind when Chaplain (Maj.) Vincent Cummings, 482nd Fighter Wing chaplain, noticed a history of altruism from photos that adorned the walls of the Bulgarian air base.

"Airmen had always done something special for the people of Bulgaria," the chaplain said. "Our predecessors volunteered at orphanages, performed community service and purchased gifts and valued items for children."

Inspired, the chaplain received the green light to coordinate an effort to make a contribution to the community, but he needed some direction. He met with the commanding officer of Graf Ignatievo Air Base for guidance on where to apply an act of goodwill. In turn, the commander suggested giving to the children's ward at a local hospital in nearby Plovdiv, the nation's second largest city.

Chaplain Cummings teamed with Senior Master Sgt. Honey Lane, 93rd Fighter Squadron First Sergeant (and registered nurse), and Tech. Sgt. Errol Johnson, 93rd FS aerospace medical technician, for their medical insight. The team met with the leadership staff of the hospital on June 16, when the hospital staff graciously agreed to accept a donation.

The team traveled back to the unit and received a great response to the fundraising.

"Everybody pitched in and we raised $1,800 after the first day, and a total of $2,800 was donated over a two-day period," Chaplain Cummings said.

Once the team had an idea of what they could afford to donate, they returned to meet with hospital staff, tour the children's ward of the hospital, and find out what they could afford to purchase with the charitable donations.

"We received a tour of the children's ward, and asked what we could purchase with the funds we raised," he said. "The hospital staff recommended the pulse oximeter, which could be purchased with the funds available."

The presentation of the cardiac monitor was made in a farewell ceremony at a public arena in Plavdiv in front of Bulgarian Air Force members, local politicians, and residents of the city on June 18.

"The Airmen of the 482nd Fighter Wing really stepped up to meet a human need. This was truly a team effort," the Chaplain said.