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Rangers dish up feast at AirFest 2008

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Latanya Reid
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  Members of the Army Chairborne Rangers served up meals to Team MacDill and guests here at AirFest 2008. They fed hundreds at the commander's chalet where they volunteered Saturday and Sunday. 

The rangers began the morning with breakfast then pulled out their barbecue grills and refreshments to prepare for lunch. They fed the audience and volunteers at the air show hot dogs, hamburgers and other snacks throughout the day. 

"Our rangers are here to help the 6th Air Mobility Wing as best as we can," said Jeffrey Griffiths, Chairborne Rangers president. "We got the name Chairborne because we sit on chairs all day and advocate the military to the public. Our jobs are mainly behind the desk." 

The volunteers are a group of professional men and women who have devoted their services to help the 6th Air Mobility Wing. This is not their first AirFest neither is it their last. It has become tradition for them to serve at MacDill after being invited years ago. 

"A few of the rangers are actually veterans, they did all the cooking, cleaning up and provide the cooking utensils for the tent," said Kimberly Norman, 6th Air Mobility Wing deputy chief of protocol. "They are very devoted to serving MacDill and we are grateful for their help." 

Their Ranger camp is located in the Tampa Bay Area and they have connections with the United States Special Operations Command and wing protocol. 

"This is the only air show we volunteer at and it's our pleasure to watch the show and help MacDill," said Bob Humberstone ranger's member. 

"We are all civilians with jobs outside of being a Ranger," he said. "There are real estate brokers, aviation instructors and retired military members with us." 

The members though civilian are strong supporters of all the service branches. Additionally, they have ties to the military either through family or friends. 

"I have been a member for 22 years, my husband was also a member and had been involved for 28 years," said Diane Weller a member of the chairborne rangers. 

The chairborne rangers' organization was formed thirty years ago by Dick Leandry who was awarded for his efforts. They participate in fundraising events also to help them in their activities and travel. 

The chairborne rangers are a dedicated team of volunteers who have for more than 10 years supporting MacDill's AirFest. They look forward to returning whenever there is an air show and giving the same service and more to MacDill.