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MacDill 5/6 Council giving an uplifting hand during an uncertain time

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman
  • 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an immeasurable level of uncertainty, and forced many changes to life on an individual scale. Even in these trying times, there are those who go above and beyond to help the less fortunate.

Often driven by a commitment to serve, these people find a way to put their own challenges aside and do what they can to give back to their communities.

For the MacDill Air Force Base 5/6 Council, a network for junior noncommissioned officers cultivate their leadership and supervisory skills, giving back has continued to motivate its members even in the face of a pandemic.

“Prior to the pandemic, the 5/6 council volunteered at a local café providing hot meals to more than 400 homeless individuals,” said 6th Force Support Squadron Tech. Sgt.  Lucian Booker. “After social distancing guidelines were put in place, we brainstormed and decided that a care drive would allow us to continue helping others while adhering to DoD COVID-19 policies.”

In order to continue serving the community, the 5/6 council set up drop-off locations at the 6th Air Refueling Wing where goods were collected and donated to Tampa’s homeless community.

According to Booker, the 5/6 council received tremendous support from members of Team MacDill, and a number of donations came from council members themselves.

“We were glad to have the opportunity to donate hygiene items, a variety of foods and baby necessities to the Metropolitan Ministry,” said Booker. “An organization that serves 1.9 million meals annually, provides safe shelter and offers life skill coaching for the less fortunate.” 

For Booker and MacDill 5/6 Council members, giving back to the homeless has been a truly rewarding experience and the council plans to continue serving through community outreach.

“As an organization, we look forward to building a lasting relationship between the less fortunate in Tampa and MacDill AFB,” said Booker.  “I cannot be more proud of my fellow NCOs who took time out of their day to think about someone that could use a little help.”

Even though navigating the challenges of the coronavirus has not been an easy feat, the MacDill Air Force Base 5/6 Council remains committed to providing an uplifting hand to homeless Tampa community members.

Those interested in volunteering with the 5/6 council, or receiving information on upcoming opportunities, please contact, Kimberly Brooks at kimberly.brooks.2@us.af.mil.