Combined Federal Campaign helps people in need Published Oct. 29, 2007 By 2nd Lt. James Gutierrez 90th Maintenance Operations Squadron F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- Following a harsh winter at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., a summer rain came that seemed to last for 20 days. The edges of the Red River finally succumbed to the rising water and became a flood of gigantic proportions. The "Flood of 1996" left countless people stranded, unable to live in their homes and without their personal possessions. One such person was Master Sgt. Randall Glover, a staff sergeant at the time, current NCO in charge of vehicles and equipment for the 90th Maintenance Operations Squadron. With a baby on the way, Sergeant Glover was at an impasse. The flood had destroyed almost everything he owned. He and his wife were forced out of their house for months. Upon return, they were hit with high replacement costs. With a number of people affected by the flood, there was a typical influx of prices. This did not help the young Glover family. When they priced a new boiler for their house, the pre-flood price of $800 had ballooned to $3,500. This was only the start. Electrical box prices tripled. All of their appliances and furniture needed to be replaced, and there was a lengthy delay getting repairs done on the house because of the needs of so many other people. The number one limiting factor for Sergeant Glover was money. After receiving the $2,000 the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided, they still did not have enough to cover all of their replacement costs. That was when they turned to the Air Force Aid Society. The AFAS immediately set the Glover's up with two $2,500 interest-free loans. After about three months, AFAS sent the Glovers a letter stating the loans had been turned into grants and repayment was not required. This was a huge burden lifted off the Glovers -- all thanks to the ability and generosity of AFAS to give to those in need. The society receives direct support from the Combined Federal Campaign. Remember there are many people you may never meet but who will directly benefit from everyone's generosity. During CFC, find an organization to identify with and donate to ensure that in the future; those who are in need are cared for.