HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- Over 20 Airmen from the 482nd Fighter Wing visited the senior residents at Sunny Hills of Homestead Assisted Living Facility in Homestead, Florida, Sept. 21.
On the third Wednesday of each month, Senior Master Sgt. Bruce Pickford, the 482nd Maintenance Squadron armament systems supervisor, assembles a group of Airmen from various squadrons across the 482nd FW to eat lunch and socialize with the residents.
“Some of the people living here have lost everything and they are probably living in the last place they will ever see,” said Pickford. “So I go there and try to bring them one more positive memory or one more better day.”
While relinquishing a lunch break to volunteer may sound like a sacrifice to some, it embodies the Air Force core value of “Service before Self”, affirming an Airman’s professional duties take precedent over personal desires.
“Volunteering is not about recognition or rank,” said Pickford. “We have to get back to caring about people or else any mission we undertake will fail.”
Pickford has been volunteering at Sunny Hills for two years and was recently selected to spearhead the Sunny Hills outreach initiative due to his passion for community outreach.
“I invited three of my co-workers to this month’s visit because I think it’s important for Airmen to be involved in the local community”, said Senior Airman Joanna Jacobs, the 70th Aerial Port Squadron resource management assistant.
Not only is this an opportunity for Airmen to be involved in the community, it also gives back to the residents at the facility.
“It’s good for the residents’ minds and uplifts their spirits,” said Ruth Baez, the activities director at Sunny Hills.
Staff Sgt. Angelica Lash, a 482nd Maintenance Group information manager and Staff Sgt. Marcela Scalia, a 482nd Maintenance Squadron support administrator, pose with patients at a Sunny Hills of Homestead Assisted Living Facility in Homestead, Florida, Sept. 21. These Airmen were a part of a volunteer group who went to Sunny Hills to have lunch with the residents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aja Heiden)