Minot Airmen assist Pentagon Chief's family Published July 26, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- When Chief Master Sgt. Mechele Greene, an Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency superintendent at the Pentagon, found out her parents had to evacuate their home due to historic flooding in Minot, of course she wanted to help - but she couldn't. Greene just had major hip replacement surgery, and traveling from the Pentagon to Minot wasn't an option. Greene's parents, Vern and Idabel Reopelle, had their home of 40 years severely damaged by the flood. Greene's siblings were able to help their parents move out, but couldn't get back to help them with the aftermath. Knowing her parents didn't have anyone to assist with recovery, Greene said she felt helpless and afraid for her parents' well-being. In a desperate attempt to help her parents, Greene reached out to the nearby Air Force Global Strike Command base, Minot AFB, and contacted Tech. Sgt. Erica Leister, 5th Operations Group Intelligence acting superintendent, to see if she might be able to help. "Erica, I am looking for some off-duty military support," Greene started in the email. "My parents, Vern and Idabel Reopelle, had their home damaged by the flood. When they returned, reality set in, as they discovered they needed to remove all the floors and four feet of drywall. My parents are in their 70s and can't move furniture on their own. I truly appreciate anything you guys can do for them." Within the hour, Leister responded with, "Of course we would be willing to help! I will be giving your parents a call here shortly to set up a good time to help. I'm sorry you are going through this." Leister said it was the right thing to do. A question was asked - she said they simply answered. "There are so many people in need of help right now," she said. "We were thankful for the opportunity to be there for the Reopelle family. An Air Force member reached out to us in a time of desperation. I think that is the way it should be at every duty station. We need to take care of our people, and that doesn't just mean the ones you are working next to day-by-day." Leister said she and five other Airmen would help the Reopelles as long as they needed it. Walking onto the Reopelle property, one could see just how patriotic this family is. A flag is painted on the shed next to the house and a small American flag on the side stood out as a small beacon of hope. When asked how they felt about the help they were receiving, it was easy to see just how grateful they were. "It's been really great... just great," was all Mr. Reopelle could muster to say. He went silent after that, and his gratitude was quietly expressed through the shedding of a single tear. Mrs. Reopelle was emotional as well, but was sure to keep a proud smile on her face. Yes, she was upset about her house, as well as her damaged garden and lawn, but that didn't keep her from feeling a sense of pride for those helping. "What can't you say about our Airmen?" she started. "Most are absolutely perfect and helpful. I'm really proud of my family, I'm proud of my Air Force; I'm proud of any branch of the military." In times of uncertainty and doubt, one thing is certain - people need support. For members of the Air Force, family is never too far out of reach. "When I think of the Air Force family, the term Wingman comes to mind," said Greene. "It means each Airman having the other's wing, caring for each other through the good times and bad. They exemplify this trait." She said currently, four members in the OGI are directly affected by the flood. Two are homeowners who haven't yet assessed the damage to their own homes. The other two are renters who are currently staying with friends until a determination can be made as to when they can return. "They put their own devastation aside, grabbed my wing and will take care of me by taking care of my parents," Greene continued. "That selfless act should bring pride to every Air Force member and also be an example to follow."