News>3 Okla. bases continue help to tornado victims
Photos
Capt. Ryan Gers, gives a homeowner family photos he uncovered, May 24, 2013, in the debris of a home leveled by a May 20 tornado that ripped through parts of Moore, Okla. More than 600 airmen from the greater Oklahoma area volunteered to assist in the relief efforts. Gers is assigned to the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and hails from Scottsdale, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder)
Mona Thomas expresses her appreciation for 1st Lt. Linna De Cuir for helping her find a few sentimenal items in the rubble of her Moore, Okla., residence, May 24, 2013. Her home was leveled by an EF-5 tornado that ripped through the town May 20. More than 600 airmen from the greater Oklahoma area volunteered to assist in the relief efforts. Du Cuir is assigned to the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron and hails from Lincolnton, N.C. Other volunteers came from Vance AFB, Okla., and Altus, Okla. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder)
Capt. Ryan Gers, right, and Capt. Andrew Staton, left, search through the rubble, May 23, 2013, looking for anything salvageable after the devastating tornado, May 20, which damaged more than 13,000 homes in Moore, Okla. More than 600 airmen from the greater Oklahoma area volunteered to assist in the relief efforts. Gers is assigned to the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and hails from Scottsdale, Ariz. Staton is assigned to the 963rd AACS, Tinker AFB, and hails from Poquoson, Va. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder)
1st Lt. Isaiah Zyduck, right, and 1st Lt. Linna De Cuir search through debris, May 23, 2013, looking for anything salvageable after the devastating tornado, May 20, which damaged more than 13,000 homes in Moore, Okla. More than 600 airmen from the greater Oklahoma area volunteered to assist in the relief efforts. Du Cuir is assigned to the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and hails from Lincolnton N.C. Zyduck is assigned to the 965th AACS, Tinker AFB, and hails from Milwaukee. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder)
5/29/2013 - MOORE, Okla. (AFNS) -- In addition to federal and state workers, more than 600 airmen from three Oklahoma Air Force bases volunteered to assist residents in recovering some of their effects, May 24. Much of the Air Force had the day off to spend time with their families, but for volunteers in the greater Oklahoma area, the day served as a chance to help other families.
"This was my chance to help the community," said 1st Lt. Linna De Cuir, air weapons officer, 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. "The public is military friendly, and we want to give back to the community."
In addition to Tinker AFB, airmen from Altus AFB, Okla., and Vance AFB, Okla., joined in the cleanup effort.
"If I could find a memento or picture, it could mean a lot to the families," said De Cuir, who is originally from Lincolnton, N.C. "Even something little can go a long way."
Serving as extra hands and eyes, working alongside residents the volunteers sifted through the rubble, moving bricks, boards and other debris in search of valuables. For one resident, the discovery of fragments of a china set she inherited from her grandparents nearly brought her to tears.
"Even a few pieces help keep these memories alive with me," said Mona Thomas, a 35-year resident of Moore. "I can pass them down to my grandchildren."
Without the help of the airmen, she would have had to search through the debris by herself or wait for her relatives to arrive, Thomas explained. The airmen allowed her to immediately start uncovering the remains of her shattered home.
"I was coming in to dig out my stuff and these guys were here," she said, referring to the airmen who were still assisting residents after nearly eight hours. "They asked if I need anything, and they jumped right in."
Many of the airmen had started the volunteer effort as early as 8 a.m. Even as the sun began to dip in the evening, many were still among the rubble, helping local residents. Although their effort made a small impact, it strengthens hope and resolve in the community.
"I am devastated, but the community support is outstanding," said Thomas. "We are united Oklahomans. We are one family. It is just wonderful the love and support from complete strangers - strangers you may never meet again."
Comments
6/3/2013 10:38:49 PM ET I read an AFA blog that 100 military personnel lost everything. I have searched and searched in vain for a website detailing how I can donate clothing to the USAF personnel that now have nothing. Surely some agency is doing something. If necessary I will pay shipping costs. I'm retired AF but I still wear the blue. If anyone has an answer please contact me directly at leealdridge@charter.net
Lee Aldridge, Montgomery AL
6/3/2013 12:13:49 PM ET Thank you and good job for supporting Oklahoma. I am proud to say I work with people who help those suffering from a natural disaster hats or not.
JM, Air Force
5/31/2013 11:37:54 PM ET KUDOS to those helping folks in OK.The comments about covers not being worn probably come from the same kind of wieners that made the push to issue places down range. Those particular idiots really need to get into a new line of work and let people do their jobs without having to put up with meaningless quip. It is embarrassing to the AF.
TACP, Ft. Polk
5/30/2013 8:31:24 PM ET As a member of the general public I just thought I should mention that I couldn't care less about whether these kind thoughtful men and women are wearing their covers. The fact that they helped to put lives back together when everything was literally so much rubble on the ground is incredibly touching. Thank you for doing what needed to be done.
Doesn't Care About Hats, California
5/30/2013 3:32:15 PM ET I think you are missing the whole point of what those airmen are trying to do. Seriously worried about their covers I don't think a single person besides yourself is thinking wow where are their hats Their efforts in Oklahoma are honorable hats or not.
Lets look at the big picture, Colorado
5/30/2013 3:10:29 PM ET @Eric why do some people always look for the negative
Airman, Northern Tier
5/30/2013 2:36:11 PM ET Lemme guess you two are paper pushers
CA, SOCOM
5/30/2013 2:02:12 PM ET You know what else doesn't represent well Senior NCOs from MacDill making idiotic comments on a public page.
James, Texas
5/30/2013 1:25:22 PM ET Thank you Don.As one of the Airmen who was there it was hot dusty and dirty. The last thing on my mind was my hat. I just wanted to help.
I Was There, Oklahoma City
5/30/2013 1:12:51 PM ET I leave it to those who weren't there huddled behind their desks to fail in seeing the real story here ... Airmen making a difference in the community. The efforts sweat and hard work of these Airmen speak volumes about the Air Forces compassion for the community.Any comments about uniform discrepancies are just plain blindness and ignorance to the importance of what Airmen are doing on the frontlines at home and abroad.See it for what it is not for what it isn't. It is the Air Force story ... uncovered.
Thomas Frontline, Everywhere
5/30/2013 9:33:50 AM ET Which represents very well to the publicAn airman working the cleanup with no cover or no airman working the cleanup
Don HALL, Stillwater OK
5/29/2013 2:47:01 PM ET Why are they not wearing their covers This doesn't represent very well to the general public.
