A time to share, receive a blessing

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Brabenec
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  A recent event reminded me of the blessing I received some years ago as a single Airman when I shared holiday festivities with a military family. It prompted me to share that blessing with some single Airmen this holiday season.

Three basic training Airmen, along with two co-workers and their families, joined my family and me for Thanksgiving dinner, making for a truly festive atmosphere. Operation Homecooking, a program run by Lackland Air Force Base, provided the three Airmen, but all Air Force units have single Airmen in need of time away from their usual routines.

Although these young Airmen enjoyed getting out of their sterile, Air Force training environment, I believe I got the best part of the deal. David, Darryl and Dan came to the Air Force with stories of their own and an enthusiasm to serve their country.

David, from Atlanta, worked in the airline industry. His life changed dramatically a couple years ago when he flew to New York City for a sightseeing trip.

That day was Sept. 11, 2001.

Arriving at La Guardia International Airport early that morning, he and a friend caught a taxi into the city. Despite having been awake more than 24 hours, they anticipated viewing the city from the top of the World Trade Center. Thankfully, they never made it to their destination, but that fateful day galvanized his decision to join the Air Force.

He will soon enter security forces technical training school and join that elite group of Airmen. He also plans to take online college classes, complete his degree and apply for officer’s training school.

Dan, on the other hand, comes to the Air Force from Southern California. Enjoying the final year of freedom prior to basic training, he grew his hair out and worked construction with his father. But the hair disappeared long before basic training as he prepared for his future. Flourishing after nearly six weeks of basic training, I saw a young man with well-muscled shoulders that suggested an Airman who could carry his flight to graduation.

He said that his hometown displays photos of its service members in their service dress uniforms and it made him feel good to be honored in that manner.

Following his technical training, look for Dan in an aircraft hangar preparing an Air Force jet to soar off to another sortie.

The final member of this trio came from a small town in Pennsylvania where he served as a volunteer fireman. As part of the largest fire fighting team in the area, Darryl said his department could respond to calls in a two-hour radius if necessary.

Strangely enough, Sept. 11, 2001 also touched his life as Darryl’s department responded to the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. Searching the meager remnants of that crash site convinced him to join the Air Force.

He will soon head to air traffic control technical school at Keesler AFB, Miss. But, his dream doesn’t stop directing flight traffic. He hopes to become a pilot and take the war on terrorism directly to the enemy.

I recall the thousand questions each Airman asked about life in the Air Force, education opportunities and deployment prospects. Respect, discipline and anticipation exuded from these young Airmen as they looked forward to their careers.

I left this holiday dinner with a deeper appreciation for our Air Force and its prospects for the future.

I encourage you this holiday season to share your celebrations with others. Whether you welcome young military or civilian Airmen, or people from your community, the holiday you share will bless you too.