SFS supports Haiti relief

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Members of the 30th Security Forces Squadron and the Vandenberg Peacekeeper Association have started a collection campaign at the 30th SFS building here Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, to go toward earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. Donations will be collected through Friday, Jan. 29, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Steve Bauer)

SFS members collect donations for Haitian relief

Published Jan. 22, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Steve Bauer
30th Space Wing Public Affairs

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In collaboration with the Vandenberg Peacekeeper Association, members from the 30th Security Forces Squadron here are currently collecting monetary donations to support earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

Representatives from the 30th SFS will collect donations through Jan. 29 for the American Red Cross's Haiti relief fund.

Once the funds are received, the ARC will reciprocate by sending 100 percent of the proceeds to Haiti relief efforts.

The 30th SFS's involvement in supporting Haitian earthquake victims stemmed out of their values and protective nature.

"Being in the security forces career field, it becomes second nature to want to help others in any way that we can," said Staff Sgt. Brent Helman, the 30th SFS NCO in charge of South Base security. "Even though we cannot be there to help the Haitians, we still wanted to help. So we've decided to start pulling donations from the members of our squadron, hoping these donations will help the people of Haiti who have had their entire lives ripped out from underneath of them."

Just as the relief fund began, a goal emerged to collect at least one dollar from each member of the 30th SFS.

"We have been going around to our members at different flight mounts to request their help in supporting Haiti relief," said Master Sgt. Keith Early, a 30th SFS entry control manager. "So far everyone has been extremely generous."

Even though they are supporting a much-publicized, security forces members participating in the relief fund are doing it for reasons other than recognition.

"We are not looking to get a pat on the back for our efforts, we just simply want to help those in need," Sergeant Early said. "If anyone on base would like to donate to this cause, we would welcome it."

For more information about donating to the 30th SFS Peacekeeper Association Haiti relief fund, call Sergeant Helman at 606-2655 or Sergeant Early at 606-9001.