b'Joint Base McGuire-Dix-LakehurstFirst Sergeant CouncilDespite setbacks, JBMDL FSCcontinues to make a difference in their local military community2020 has been a difficult year for manyorganizations within the United States Air Force.This year, the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) First Sergeant Council has gone above and beyond to fulfill their vital role in supporting the health, morale, welfare, and discipline of their Airmen. Many First Sergeant Councils rely uponPhoto courtesy JBMDL First SergeantsOperation WARM HEART, which is a 501(c)(3)While First Sergeants possess a wealth of kcd non-profit charity organization, to help providework with various support agencies to provide support the funds necessary to provide emergency financialand assistance to their members, undoubtedly relief and quality of life enhancements to airmensituations always arise where needs exceed the and their families. This year, the pandemic hasmeans of many organizations. It is in these moments limited many of the regular charitable donationsthat First Sergeants are able to spring into action and fund-raising efforts that typically provide the primary means of funding for Operation WARMand provide exactly the right type of support needed.HEART. Subsequently, the JBMDL First SergeantWhether this means making a hurried purchase Council has had to be creative in their efforts inof grocery essentials to support a family in the supporting their local military community. immediate aftermath of a crisis, or making a In spite of the on-going pandemic, the JBMDLcharitable donation to a family undergoing a Council has been able to continue to make unique hardship, First Sergeants are often on the a difference by partnering with many of thefront lines in identifying and resolving the many other non-profit organizations within their localchallenges faced by Airmen and their families.community. The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Operation Some of the many organizations they haveWARM HEART fund continues to provide assistance been able to collaborate with this year are thein support of those who need American Red Cross, the New Jersey Knights ofit. They are able to accomplish Columbus, and the United Service Organizationsthis through the charitable(USO). Together, they were able to distribute contributions of sponsors over 15,000 pounds of frozen meals and perish- throughout the militaryable food items throughout the base and local community.community.These organizations continued to go above If you would like to donate and beyond to help fulfill the needs of our Airmenor would like more information and their Families during this difficult time.about the activities associated The American Red Cross provided over 60with the JBMDL Operation thanksgiving meals to military families. TheWARM HEART fund, please Knights of Columbus was able to procure travelcontact your local JBMDL First for over 160 Airmen through their Send a HeroSergeant or visit our Facebook Page atHome for the Holidays program. The USO partneredhttps://www.facebook.com/JBMDLFirstSergeantswith the Council to provide an additional 90 meals through Operation TURKEY and provided gifts for over 70 families through their Adopt-a-Family program. While these organizations have truly been amazing in going above and beyond in supporting the JBMDL community, First Sergeants are uniquely equipped to advocate for and address the needs of Airmen and their Families in ways that other organizations may simply not beable to. Photo courtesy JBMDL First SergeantsThank You For Your Service Military Appreciation Resource Magizine 9'