Caring with 'cop'cakes

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – In dedication to National Domestic Violence Awareness month and the safety security forces members provide to the base, cupcakes were decorated and distributed to the four security forces squadrons here at Minot AFB. A decorating competition was also held to bring in additional volunteers. The first place winner created a cupcake in the image of a hamburger. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley N. Avecilla)

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – Airman 1st Class Natalie Robinson, 'Cop'cake Wars’ 1st place winner and 5th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, decorates a cupcake in the form of a hamburger here, Oct 26. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month and to recognize Minot Air Force Base security forces squadrons, who work to keep our community safe, hundreds of cupcakes were decorated and donated to the four security forces squadrons here. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley N. Avecilla)

Caring with 'cop'cakes

Published Nov. 2, 2011
By Senior Airman Ashley Avecilla
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Team Minot security forces squadrons recognized National Domestic Violence Awareness month by decorating and donating hundreds of cupcakes to security forces squadron families here Oct. 26.

In general, security forces members work 12 or more hours a day with some having to spend days at a time in the field.

The long hours away from their families can create extra stress that other Airmen in different career fields may not experience. To thank these service members for the work they do for the base and to recognize the additional stress they often must go through, cupcakes were baked and decorated by Airmen, spouses, and children for families to enjoy.

"We collected enough frosted Copcakes for the 5th Security Forces Squadron last year and this year we wanted to make sure all the security forces personnel were given the chance to have one," said Staff Sgt. Jessica Wyrick, 5th Medical Operations Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of mental health. "We collected about 1,800 cupcakes."

In addition to the mass cupcake session, Copcake Wars was held. Influenced by the popular Food Network television show Cupcake Wars, a cupcake decoration competition was held between adults and children.

Cupcakes and limited decorating supplies were provided. Contestants were asked to bring any decorations and tools they wanted to use.

The competition not only encouraged more individuals to come out and support security forces, but also to show the talent here at Minot Air Force Base.

"By making it a cupcake decorating competition, we figured we may be more likely to get people to help bake more cupcakes if they didn't have to frost them as well," said Wyrick." The event was successful."

The third place cupcake resembled a flower pot, the second place cupcake resembled a cherry pie, and the first place winner created a cupcake in the image of a cheeseburger.

"I'm glad to be a part of such a great cause," said Airman 1st Class Natalie Robinson, Copcake Wars' first place winner, 5th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller. "Domestic violence is very serious and it feels great to give thanks to the men and women who work hard in keeping Minot safe."

Winners received not only a certificate, but prizes including mixing bowls and frosting tips.

"The smiles and thanks from the security forces personnel were well worth the effort," said Wyric. "They very much appreciated people taking the time out of their day to show appreciation for their hard work."