Buckley space operator collects food for deployed troops over holidays

Published Oct. 28, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Samantha Meadors
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Being apart from family because of a deployment can be hard, but it can be even harder to be away from the ones you love during the holiday season.

Airman 1st Class Jacquelynne, 2nd Space Warning Squadron space operator, understands the pain and struggle service members, and their families, endure during the holidays, and is working hard to make them feel more at home.

Jacquelynne worked with a fellow Team Buckley member whose husband is deployed to start a food drive that specifically benefited deployed military members overseas.

"When I heard my friend was starting this drive, I knew I had to help her somehow," Jacquelynne said. "I've experienced not being able to speak with your loved ones when you need them most, or even at all for lengthy periods of time. Our troops sacrifice so much. I know how it can be tough on both parties."

The idea started as a way to give men and women who are away from their families, friends and loved ones the Thanksgiving meal they deserved.

Donation baskets were placed at Starbucks locations across Denver with posters and photos of men and women serving overseas with a list of items they had requested. The drive started at the end of September and lasted until mid-October.

During the drive, Jacquelynne's team collected more than 600 food items to send to service members currently overseas for the holidays.

"I have realized how truly blessed I am to have people like A1C Jacquelynne who are willing to drop everything they have going on in their personal life," a Team Buckley member who has benefitted from the drive said. " I am overwhelmed by the generosity of this community."

Jacquelynne plans to continue the food drive every year, especially after the incredible amount of support she has received.

"Helping any troop is extremely important to me," Jacquelynne said. "I've never been deployed myself, but I have family and friends who have been. I've heard incredible stories that are unbelievable. It's the least I can do."

Food Drive