22nd MXS delivers Meals on Wheels to Wichita seniors Published Oct. 29, 2004 MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- McConnell Airmen are doing more than fighting the war on terrorism; they're helping the community here.Every Friday, personnel assigned to the 22nd Maintenance Squadron Fabrication Flight dedicate at least two-hours of their day to the Meals on Wheels program. The program is operated by Senior Services Incorporation of Wichita.As part of the Meals on Wheels program, noontime meals are delivered by volunteers five days a week to approximately 850 homebound people in Wichita.Irma Engle, Meals on Wheels recipient, said, "I really appreciate it. The meals are good. They bring my paper to the door for me. I just think that its wonderful."The program also includes weekend meals that are delivered to about 50 "at risk" participants; non-profit meals delivered before every holiday; and two-day emergency meals that are delivered when weather or street conditions make delivery impossible or hazardous.McConnell people started participating in the Meals on Wheels program in 1994 when retired Senior Master Sgt. Bart Patterson was assigned to the 22nd Maintenance Squadron. Mr. Patterson, who is now a Health and Wellness Center health technician here, said he heard about the idea and sought out Senior Services to get his squadron involved."We wanted to start something to get the squadron to help out the community," Mr. Patterson said. "... its unbelievable that everyone is still involved."McConnell volunteers currently supporting the program have their own reasons for helping out."Our flight rotates volunteers weekly, but the job gets done, and seeing the looks on peoples faces when you deliver their meals is well worth the time," said volunteer Tech. Sgt. Toby Beadnell, 22nd MXS Fabrication Flight. Air Mobility Command News Service is a service of the Internal Division Office of Public Affairs 503 Ward Drive, Room 214 Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5335 618-229-7821