First Sergeants Council raises Operation Warm Heart awareness, donations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  When an Airman is in need of quick financial aid, the First Sergeants Council steps in to ensure they are taken care of. One way they do this is through a charitable program called Operation Warm Heart. On July 13, council members will host an Operation Warm Heart booth outside of the Yokota Community Center main entrance from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to provide information and solicit donations for this humanitarian cause.

"Though we will be accepting donations, the goal is to raise awareness of Operation Warm Heart," said Master Sgt. Robert Worley, 374th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant. "We want to inform the community about what the program does. All of the donations go right back to the community," Worley said.

The program, which is run year-round by the council, provides financial assistance to Airmen in need. Council members can quickly approve an interest-free loan or grant for emergency situations.

In order to receive financial assistance from the council, a service member must request it through their first sergeant. The request is then stripped of a name and squadron to ensure an unbiased assessment, and then the council members vote on what requesst will be approved.

Operation Warm Heart also enables the council to council perform "random acts of kindness" throughout the year such as filling up an Airman's gas tank or paying for someone's commissary groceries.

"These acts really raise morale," said Master Sgt. Shanti Leiker, 374th Operations Support Squadron, 459th Airlift Squadron and 374th Operations Group first sergeant. "When someone randomly gets their tank filled, it makes them think, 'Wow! They really do care.'"

Team Yokota will have a chance to win a laptop, digital camera and other prizes at a free-entry drawing at event.

For more information about the First Sergeant's Council or to donate to Operation Warm Heart, service members should contact their unit's first sergeant.