Dayton Gems donate $3,000 to the Air Force Aid Society

  • Published
  • By Ted Theopolos
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  "I'm pleased to present this check for $3,000 dollars to the Air Force Aid Society," said Mr. John Marks, coach for the Dayton Gems Hockey team. "We're blessed to have people from the Air Force in our own back yard. Their hard work and dedication allow us everything we take for granted."

The Dayton Gem's Hockey team hosted Military Appreciation Night on January 29, 2010. Right after the game the team auctioned off their camouflage jerseys they had  made especially for the game. One jersey went for more than $600 during the auction. The team donated funds from the sale of the jerseys to the Air Force Aid Society.

According to Jill Sanders, Gems public relations director, this came about from a suggestion by one of the hockey players, during a visit to the base on January 12, 2010. "Our goalie, Derek MacIntyre, mentioned that they should do something for the Air Force," said Sanders. "The idea was discussed and the team came up with the jersey auction idea to donate to the Air Force Aid Society."

Mr. Alvin Dennis, Community Readiness Technician with the 88th Family Service Section, along with Capt. Janelle Quinn, Air Force Assist Fund Installation Project Officer, and 1st Lt. Cynthia Newberry, resource management intern excepted the check on behalf of the base along with Chief John Hoffman, 88th Air Base Wing command chief and Jennifer Spurgin, 88th Force Support Squadron, Flight Chief for the Airman & Family Service Flight.

The Air Force Aid Society helps Air Force people with loans and grants for rent, utilities, food, emergency leave travel, home repair, funeral expenses and other emergencies. Aid is geared to helping young airmen, but all Air Force personnel can be assisted. Last year Wright-Patt gave 380 loans and 23 grants for a total of $181,737 to families in need.

"This was our first year, that we were able to start the Air Force Aid Assistance Drive off with a major contribution of $3,000," said Dennis. "It also shows how the local community wants to support the men and women that defend our country."

The national drive for Air Force Aid has already started, but Wright-Patt's drive is schedule from March 8 through April 16, 2010.