The Holidays are more than commercialism and there really is more to Christmas than buying and spending endlessly. Proof of the true spirit of the Holidays comes from the 91st Operations Support Squadron (OSS) Weapons and Tactics Flight who spent hours of their time helping to sort and distribute the massive amounts of food donations at the Lord’s Cupboard Food Pantry on Dec 10.
A Facebook post from the Lord’s Cupboard stated, “…a big ‘Thank You’ to the Minot AFB 91st Operations Support Squadron members…for sharing your time with us today! They efficiently sorted and organized a couple of our recent food drives totaling 1,944 lbs. And in record time!! We appreciate all of you for helping us feed our neighbors!!”
Captain Joshua Watson led up the volunteering effort and explained that he had previously worked with the Lord’s Cupboard in another capacity. He asked the Volunteer Coordinator Representative, Vickie Phippins, to reach back out to him if they were ever in need of specific assistance. Vicki took him up on that offer when they were in need of people to help sort food and contacted Capt Watson, who then gathered up some of his flight to come help out. Capt Jake Jones, Capt Austin Dean,spouse Amanda Dean, Capt Soon Tri, Capt Shane Knowles and Capt Margarita Knowles joined Capt Watson and spent a few hours helping those who needed a little extra support this season.
Courtesy photo
Capt Watson has been stationed at Minot for five years and explained that his motivation behind his volunteerism is because he wanted to find a way to help others in what has become his own community. He also mentioned that his drive to help with this particular organization stems from a background of falling on hard times in his childhood. On a personal level, he felt compelled to serve in this specific capacity the Food Pantry when he could.
Capt Watson said he will absolutely volunteer in the future and he encourages everyone in the military community not to be afraid to use their time to help others out. He mentioned that people should look for an organization that means something to them specifically or helps in a way that has meaning for them.
If you are struggling with food scarcity this season, the Lord’s Cupboard Food Pantry is open Mondays 11:00am – 2:00pm, Tuesdays 5:30pm – 7:00pm, Wednesdays 11:00am – 2:00pm, and Fridays – 11:00am – 2:00pm. Their website states: “Our food pantry is available to anyone who is in need and is solely operated by 100% donations from the Minot community and various local and national grants.”
Everyone needs a little extra support from time to time, help where you can and remember the reason for the season. As Capt Watson and the OSS show, even actions that seem small, and take only time, can have a lasting impact on others.
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