F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The F.E. Warren First Sergeant Council works in conjunction with outside agencies to ensure that the holidays are brighter for children and families in the local community. Listed below are three programs that are holiday initiatives.
Angel Tree Program:
In 1992, the Family Support Center and Army and Air Force Exchange Services, partnered and instituted the Angel Tree program with the theme of military taking care of military. The First Sergeant Council now works in conjunction with the founding agencies and gathers names within their respective units. The program supports local military families who may need a little help during the holidays. The program is so impactful because it’s the military dependents of F.E. Warren who reap the benefits and are blessed with a joyful Christmas, which may not have been possible without who the Angel Tree program.
“We would like to give a big shout out to everyone who participated and/or donated,” said Master Sgt. Ryen Yokom, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron first sergeant. “This is a wonderful Airmen-to-Airmen program that helps out families in need during the holiday season.”
Empty Stocking Program:
The First Sergeant Council partners with the American Legion to provide a Christmas meal for families during the holiday season. This year the program will provide 135 families with gift cards that will enable them to purchase holiday meals for their families.
Cheyenne Board of Realtors Gift Program:
The First Sergeant Council nominates a small amount of military families to receive gifts from the Cheyenne Board of Realtors Angel Tree program. These gifts and meals are provided by local realtors and affiliates to help families who might need extra support at Christmas time. Since 2004, the program has provided gifts and meals to over 1,000 families.
“At one time in my career, the Angel Tree program made a big impact on my own children Christmas experience,” said Master Sgt. Jeremy Britten, 90th Civil Engineering Squadron first sergeant. “I understand how much this program can mean to someone. It was one of my motivators to become a first sergeant, taking care of big "A" Airmen, which includes the families. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to pay it back and to be a part of this program with the First Sergeant Council and the Cheyenne Board of Realtors.”
While the programs have closed for the year, the First Sergeant Council will run these programs again next holiday season. For questions about the programs or to nominate an individual or family, please call (307) 773-6262.