Small room, big goals

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Cassandra D. Bartlett
  • 445th Maintenance Operations Flight
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world" (Anne Frank).

This is a quote on one of many signs posted up on the wall in a small room at the 445th Airlift Wing in building 4012 named the Rally Point.

Those who have served on Active Duty can relate to this room to that of the Airman's Attic. Established and maintained by an anonymous volunteer, the Rally Point is this volunteer's dream and an airman in need's safe-haven. It holds many items to include anything from household goods such as plates, bowls, and toys to men's and women's items, to include sweaters, t-shirts, pants, shorts, and shoes - even unopened, newly purchased undergarments. There are even a few uniforms.

In order for the Rally Point to continue providing its much needed support, it needs the support of the wing. Whether through donations of items, your time, or whether it's in support of your fellow Airman, the Dayton Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, the Fisher House, or the Homeless Vets, items are always needed and can be dropped off at the Rally Point anytime of the year. Items that are always needed that can be dropped off in a small zip lock bag include; travel-sized hairbrushes, combs, creamer, coffee, sugar packets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small mirrors, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, feminine products, soft wrapped candy. Other items such as clothes in good or excellent condition are also needed.

Some of the easiest ways to obtain items are: 1) through travels, whether you are going on vacation or a TDY, you can put away those mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and/or any others items that the hotel provides within the room; 2) if you are strolling through the grocery store or drugstore where you may see dollar deals, pick up a few extra bottles of shampoo, hairbrushes, detergent, or toothbrushes/toothpastes; 3) whether in your neighborhood or someone else's, stop at a garage sale to pick up a few t-shirts or pants; and 4) if you or someone you know is packing unused clothes to donate, separate a few of the items to bring in to the Rally Point.

Just imagine, if many people come together in spending just a few extra dollars each month in support of this great cause, how many people's lives our wing can impact? Not only to take care of our own Airmen but those who have served either with us or before us.

Countless others throughout the wing have volunteered as well. The 445 Maintenance Group has adopted three goals to pursue next year: Provide items and volunteer their time to the Fisher House, the Dayton VA Medical Center, and the Homeless Vets.

Everyone, whether you are the recipient or the one giving, will remain anonymous, if the member wishes. The door to the Rally Point remains open 365 days a year. Without those who donated items and our volunteers, who would step up to give a homeless vet a warm blanket during those cold winter months, or provide a disabled vet in the VA Hospital a free hot cup of coffee?