Operation Warmheart kicks off holiday season right

At Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson there are several organizations ready to support Airmen in their time of need: one of these is Operation Warmheart.

“Operation Warmheart is a non-profit organization of the First Sergeants Council structured to assist JBER service members by providing financial assistance to Airmen in their time of need,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Veale, 673d Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant and OWH chairman.

Every holiday season, the JBER first sergeants conduct their one and only fundraising event for OWH.

From Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, first sergeants will ring the bell

and collect donations outside the JBER Commissary.

“In 2017, the organization provided grants or loans to 19 families experiencing financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Jonathan Luenbrink, 732nd Air Mobility Squadron first sergeant and OWH treasurer. “Whether its funding for emergency travel, helping a young struggling family purchase groceries, or helping a family recover from a house fire, Operation Warmheart’s only objective is to help.”

This year, the organization disbursed nearly $7,000 in financial aid and $2,000 in gift cards, and provided lunch for 448 weekend-duty personnel.

“This Thanksgiving, Operation Warmheart will also distribute 130 turkey baskets to Airmen across JBER,” Luenbrink said.

For more information, contact a first sergeant or call 551-9085.