MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION, Minn. -- Fall is the season coveted for its beautiful colors but in Minnesota, winter is quick to take the spotlight from its predecessor. As snow flurries, ice, and cold temperatures engulf the region, there is yet another force at work, and that is the spirit of giving.
Maj. John Wimbley, 934th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, is the unit medicine program director and is also responsible for the 934th Airlift Wing clothing drive. Wimbley has volunteered to assemble and coordinate a clothes drive for the local American Disabled Veteran foundation. “There are about 243 homeless vets registered here in the Twin Cities metro and this is a great season to give back to our community,” said Wimbley.
Wimbley, with the support of the wing commander, asked members of the 934th AW to donate a coat, or a piece of warm clothing to local homeless veterans. A truck was set up as a collection point outside of the 934th ASTS during the December Unit Training Assembly. “I just asked members to bring one coat, or a warm clothing item that we can donate to our local vets, and our people have come through, I am not surprised,” said Wimbley.
The clothes drive started within the 934th ASTS, home to approximately 150 members, and has now spread throughout the base to all military and civilian personnel. “I just put the word out last and month and asked people to bring their items over and they happily obliged to do that,” said Wimbley. “We have over 100 coats already and I hope we can double or triple that before the drive is over.”
The coats will make their way to Disabled American Veterans Foundation later this month in support of the homeless veterans around the Twin City metro in hopes helping keep them warm during the winter months. "I believe this clothing drive shows that we are willing to serve those who have served," said Wimbley.
When the winter delivers harsh temperatures and heavy snowfalls we can count on 934th AW Airmen to fight back and serve those who have served.