Aid society continues its assistance to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Providing emergency assistance to displaced Airmen and their families was a top priority for Team Minot following last summer's historic Souris River flood.

Yet, the base was not left alone to help its own, as many non-profit and charitable organizations stepped up to offer aid as well.

Among the helping agencies was one that has a long history of providing emergency assistance to Airmen and their families worldwide.

From the beginning flood recovery phase here, the Air Force Aid Society was providing Airmen with grants to help out with expenditures.

The grants offered to Team Minot Airmen ranged from $500 to $8,000.

Staff Sgt. Arrin Tune, 91st Operations Support Squadron chef trainer, was recently presented with a grant for $8,000 to help pay for electrical restructuring on her home downtown, which had flooded.

Tune said her house had water up to the ceiling of her first floor which caused significant damage to her property.

She explained that even though she was able to move on base with a friend, she was worried about the financial burden that loomed ahead and was concerned about the well-being of her children.

"When I was able get back into my home, there was a lot of disbelief about what had just happened," said Tune. "Thankfully, I had friends come and help me clean up."

In October, the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided Tune with temporary housing to reside in, as well as financial assistance to help offset costs for rebuilding her home. Operation Warmheart, the financial assistance program run by the first sergeants, also provided her with monetary assistance.

"My chain of command helped me out a lot. They were really great about getting us information we needed for help," said Tune.

While the aid was helpful, expenditures for repairs began adding up quickly. With the help of the Airman and Family Readiness Center, she applied for an Air Force Aid Society grant and was provided assistance.

"When Rosanne (from the A&FRC) called to tell me I received the grant I became teary-eyed, I began to cry," said Tune. "They were tears of happiness-- it felt like such a relief."

The money helped pay for her electrical expenses which was going to cost over $10,000 in total.

"I am very grateful to the Air Force Aid Society," said Tune. "I think it really helps families in need."

Staff Sgt. Joseph Liccini, 5th Maintenance Group aerospace maintenance craftsman, also received more than $7,000 in assistance from the Air Force Aid Society.

"I was going through such an ordeal because I was almost running out of money," said Liccini. "It was a great relief to find out I received the grant. I was ecstatic."

He said he almost broke down because the money had come at the right time.

"One of my first thoughts was being thankful the Air Force gives back to their own," said Liccini.