Airmen step up to help area students

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  An air traffic controller here decided to take action after learning from a co-worker that some area elementary students were not able to thoroughly enjoy their recess time because they did not have a good pair of sneakers.

"I heard Mr. [Jerald] Hatcher talking about some children at his wife's school who were not able to afford decent tennis shoes for outdoor play time or even just for walking to and from school," said Staff Sgt. Katherine Eliason, 4th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control watch supervisor. "I told him that we would be able to get a shoe drive going to collect money to purchase new shoes for these children. I didn't think it was fair for young children to not be able to enjoy play time to the fullest."

With the help of fellow air traffic controllers, in six weeks Sergeant Eliason was able to raise more than $600 to purchase several children at B.F. Grady Elementary School shoes. Her speedy action allowed for the shoes to be delivered by Christmas.

"We figured that we would need about 40 to 50 pairs of shoes," said the native of Rapid City, S.D. "The Airmen and I went around to each flight within the squadron and explained why we were collecting donations. We also went to our commander's calls to collect donations. People were so generous that we were able to collect $650."

After collecting the donations, the Airmen scouted area shoe stores for the best deals.

"We purchased 50 pairs of shoes and had some money left," Sergeant Eliason said. "I went back to Mr. Hatcher and asked him to ask the teachers if there was anything else they could use, so we could take the extra cash and purchase the items to help out further. The teachers needed sets of boys and girls underwear, sweatpants and socks. These items were needed for the children in case they had accidents at school, and they needed to be changed."

After delivering the sneakers to the school, the Airmen visited with children and read them Christmas stories.

"I enjoyed seeing all the smiling faces on the children," Sergeant Eliason said. "The Airmen were happy to do this and offered to come back to read to them."

The fact Airmen from Seymour Johnson AFB coordinated this effort did not come as a surprise to Mildred Hatcher, elementary school teacher.

"I've seen first-hand how much effort the air traffic controllers from the RAPCON and control tower put into community service despite their hectic work schedules," she said. "They have always been here when we needed extra help for school dances, our Fall Festival and serving as end of year test proctors. The amount of shoes and other items they were able to collect was simply amazing."

The children were excited to have the Airmen visit the school.

"The kids really loved it when they read stories to them and helped them with their school work," Mrs. Hatcher said. "They were completely enamored and clung to them almost instantly. The girls were especially excited to see the young females in uniform, and the boys were equally excited and gathered around the men during their visit."

Likewise, the school's principal, Ann Hardy, was also grateful for the assistance.

"B.F. Grady is so very fortunate to have the U.S. Air Force supporting our school," she said. "They not only did this project, but have helped us in other ways."

The school set up a system to ensure the children with the most need received the donated shoes.

"We have already given the shoes to children we observed who were in need, i.e. wearing shoes with holes, worn soles, and open-toe shoes or even flip flops in winter," Mrs. Hatcher said.

Before leaving the school, the Airmen met with the teachers of the students they helped and the principal.

"This was really nice because they told us some of the children's life stories and how we really made an impact," Sergeant Eliason said. "I really enjoyed stepping up to accomplish this fundraiser and bringing joy to the children. I look forward to bringing more Airmen out to the school to read so that they can enjoy this as well."

The B.F. Grady students made huge thank you cards for the Airmen to hang at the RAPCON during the holidays.

"Our school has outstanding support from parents, former students and the local community, but it is always a pleasure to have the troops from Seymour Johnson AFB here to help, considering their military workload and the distance they have to travel," Mrs. Hatcher said.

The school staff members were not the only ones who were touched by the actions of the air traffic controllers.

"When they established the goal of $500 and were actually able to raise in excess of that from the wonderful members of the 4th Operations Support Squadron, it was truly heartwarming," Mr. Hatcher said. "It meant a lot to watch these young Air Force members take such an interest in kids they've never met without hesitation."