When coronavirus says ‘Stop,’ Travis AFB volunteers find a way to keep going

May 2, 2020 5:05 AM PDT
1 minute read
Air Force photo

SUMMARY

When restrictions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus closed Travis Air Force Base’s schools, shut services’ doors and canceled social gatherings, the community’s lifeblood stopped pumping. “Everything just went dark,” said Air Force …

When restrictions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus closed Travis Air Force Base's schools, shut services' doors and canceled social gatherings, the community's lifeblood stopped pumping.

"Everything just went dark," said Air Force spouse Jessica Moser.


60th Air Mobility Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant Derek Crowder recognized the challenge, saying it was essential to engage people by strengthening their four pillars: mental, physical, spiritual and social.

Volunteers got innovative, finding ways to set activity abuzz and get the lifeblood pumping again. "The great things that we have going across the installation are important because even though we can't gather in masses, there are still good opportunities that we can connect," Crowder said. "That's what will get us through this."

It seems to be working.

Providing Essential Supplies

When Air Force spouse Jenn Taylor heard that local medical facilities needed masks, she volunteered to sew them. She wasn't an expert seamstress, but she had the equipment and time, she said. "I thought that was really important," Taylor explained. "Blood, sweat and tears go into it."

Word spread, and now she sews masks only for Travis service members, who are required to wear them at work. Taylor even fulfilled a last-minute order for 12 service members leaving for Germany. Having the masks were necessary for their departure. A mom of three whose spouse is deployed, Jenn said productivity is important. "It can make you feel small and powerless if you don't have something to focus on."

Two neighbors now help prepare fabric, which increased her production from 10 masks per day to 30. They've made over 275 masks so far.

Like essential workers, some families need supplies, too. The struggling economy is making it tough for some to make ends meet. "A lot of spouses lost their jobs," Moser said. An active community volunteer, Moser knew that, because of imposed restrictions, many local organizations had resources to give but no way to give them.

Moser provided the way.

She collaborated with the Cost of Courage Foundation, Operation Homefront and Blue Star Families to prepare bags of food, toys and supplies for Travis families. With the help of the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Moser organized a drive-through event, where families could pick up a bag.

Over 200 bags were given away – for free.

Boosting Morale

As Easter approached, Moser had one objective: spread joy. With no egg hunts or celebratory barbeques, she and other key spouses organized a drive-through Easter party. From the safety of their cars, families stopped at stations to take pictures with the Easter bunny, receive treats, select household supplies and enjoy the festive atmosphere. "There were a lot of happy children, and parents were grateful," she said.

Crowder described other Eastertime efforts to spread cheer and lift spirits. On Easter, Travis' Airmen Committed to Excellence group led a Chalk Cheer event. Dozens of families came to Travis' David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center to support its 2,500 personnel by chalking encouraging messages and drawings outside. The event was a hit.

Crowder said he was heartened to hear that one medical center worker walked "the entire hospital just to see all of the messages that are out there." Crowder has also sought to engage service members and families in ways that keep them sharp. In addition to a 30-day book challenge, designed to keep minds stimulated, Crowder launched a 14-day physical fitness challenge. He's encouraging airmen to exercise in new ways while the gym is closed.

Airmen post their goals and workouts to Crowder's social media, which cultivates a community of support and accountability. "It's just great to see people thinking of different ways to challenge themselves physically," Crowder said, praising airmen's use of water jugs for weights and commitment to family bike rides. Multiple volunteers and organizations have found unique ways to support and connect, Crowder emphasized, adding that each person should find what works for them. "That's going to be what helps us bounce back," Crowder said. "It's staying in tune with what's going on across the installation."

Serving Together

Service has helped volunteers push through their own challenges. "It's stressful and scary," admitted Moser, who also coordinated 1,000 care packages for dorm residents – twice. "But I guess I'd rather focus on the things that I can do rather than the fear and the unknown."

Community members have sent volunteers patches, pictures of kids opening goodie bags and heartfelt notes of appreciation. "I think folks have seen where the Air Force and the installation have really wrapped their arms around the situation that we're in and spread that message of 'Hey, we're going to take care of you,'" Crowder said. That, Crowder believes, is an example of what the Travis community – and the Air Force – is all about.

It's transcending difficulties, making a difference and reaching a higher purpose.

It's service before self, in action.

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