JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- On December 1st, 2018, Airmen from the 23rd Intelligence Squadron, “The Greys,” organized and participated in a community service project at the Morningside Manor Senior Living Community. Reserve Citizen Airmen hosted a series of bingo games for the residents and also spent time visiting with individuals who were bed-ridden and unable to attend the bingo sessions.
The service project was conducted over the December drill weekend and was in lieu of a traditional holiday party. The Grey’s booster club provided door prizes for each of the bingo game winners and created individual stockings stuffed with goodies for all of the residents.
“Since our squadron’s standup, the community of San Antonio has made sure that we received an enthusiastic welcome and has provided us with incredible support and backing,” said Lt. Col. Sarah Yoshida, 23rd IS commander. “Our members felt that this time of year was the perfect opportunity to give back and to show our appreciation of this community. Being able to spend time with the residents of Morningside Manor was an amazing experience that allowed us to not only bond with the residents, but also with each other.”
Prior to the start of the bingo games, squadron members spent time socializing with each of the residents while listening to holiday music and passing out refreshments.
Once the games began however, the energy in the room intensified as the residents instructed the squadron’s members on the finer points of bingo, and competed good naturedly with one another to win. In total, eight residents garnered a grand prize.
Feedback from the residents and the squadron members has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It was really nice to see the turn out from the residents, and it looked like they were really enjoying themselves” said Master Sgt. Lawrence, 23rd IS member. According to another 23rd IS member, Master Sgt. Wilcox, “It felt good to do something for someone else, and I definitely think that we should consider visiting Morningside on a regular basis.”
The 23rd IS delivers premiere cyber intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance expertise through Total Force Integration, driving the employment of offensive cyber capabilities in support of Combatant Command objectives and priorities. To learn more about exciting and rewarding career opportunities in the 23rd IS, please contact your local Air Force Reserve recruiter or call 210-977-2671 for more information.