Airman returns nearly $5,000 to wallet owner

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Raelynne J. Dennis
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFPN) --  Airmen here continue to be good neighbors including one who recently returned a wallet he found in the snow.

Airman 1st Class Robert Humphus, of the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron’s explosive ordnance disposal flight, was on his way to his first delivery for the local Meals on Wheels program when he spotted something on the road.

Just a few hours earlier, Bobby Sundby, a local realtor, was plowing snow on the same road when somehow his wallet fell out of his pocket.

“I was going on my first delivery and ran over something. I pulled over, and it was a (wallet) with cash and paper lying out everywhere,” Airman Humphus said.

Airman Humphus discovered the wallet contained $347 in cash and $4,407 in checks as well as various other items.

“I gathered all the stuff out of the snow and threw it in my truck,” he said. “When the deliveries were done, I went back to my shop. I found his number on one of his real estate cards and gave him a call.”

“I was panicked when I found out I lost it,” Mr. Sundby said. “My wife was out re-tracing my steps looking for it. Today was deposit day for my realty checks, so there was a lot of money in that wallet.”

When Airman Humphus returned to base, he contacted Mr. Sundby so he could return his wallet to him.

“I commend him,” Mr. Sundby said. “Not everyone would’ve returned the wallet. He called my wife and set up a time and place to meet.”

Mr. Sundby met Airman Humphus at the base visitor’s center where he thanked the Airman and commended his character. Mr. Sundby also gave Airman Humphus a gift certificate to a local restaurant for his trouble.

“I always know I can trust Airmen from Ellsworth,” Mr. Sundby said. “I am a landlord, and when Airmen come to me wanting to rent, I don’t hesitate. I have a very high opinion of you guys.”