Native Oklahoman organizes local relief effort

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mike Tryon
  • 90th Missile Wing Pubilc Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Spring time normally brings with it warmer weather, budding flowers and trees, and new life; however, with warmer temperatures the potential for tornados increases.

Recently, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., Oklahoma City and the surrounding area has been devastated by tornados. Capt. Justin Bateman, 790th Missile Security Forces squadron Convoy Response Force officer-in-charge and native Oklahoman, has organized a local relief drive to aid the more than 140 Airmen and families affected by natural disasters.

"I'm originally from Tulsa, Okla., and my family still lives in Broken Arrow, Okla., which also saw tornados this season," Bateman said. "I wanted to organize a short-notice, fast-paced drive to collect the supplies they've requested to aid in recovery.

"I've received an incredible amount of help in this effort from leadership throughout the wing."

An email was sent out May 30 to Airmen assigned here and to the Wyoming Air National Guard listing the supplies being requested for this relief effort. The supplies requested ranged from water, baby formula, sun screen and uniforms to batteries, rakes, toiletries and non-perishable foods.

According to Bateman, the Warren Air Force Base and Cheyenne, Wyo., communities have, in five days, already collected enough supplies to fill almost two tractor-trailers, and the donations keep coming.

"We've reached out to the Wyoming Air National Guard and Balfour Beatty Communities to coordinate transportation for these much needed supplies," Bateman said.

Even though the drive officially ending June 3, those still wishing to donate can until Friday. Supplies can be dropped off at Bldg. 34, 90th Security Forces Group Headquarters, or one can call Bateman at 773-4235 or Senior Master Sgt. Brandon Knight, 790th MSFS, at 773-5609 to coordinate donation drop-off.