Spouse dedicates all for community

Published June 29, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The flood situation in Minot has brought about the best in community support, with numerous volunteers from the base willing to provide assistance through any means possible.

Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen have continued to offer aid to Minot and its surrounding communities, and families have now also marked their presence by providing resources to volunteers downtown and here who continue working throughout the historic flood recovery.

Nastassya Sweder, wife of Capt. David Sweder, 740th Missile Squadron flight commander, has been one community member here who has shown commitment to providing assistance since day one of the flood fight.

Mrs. Sweder said she has been preparing food each day for dike workers, Airmen and Guardsmen in Minot who continue supporting the efforts to contain the flooding downtown. She has even offered to provide for families as well.

With a coalition of more than 40 volunteers, she said they have made it their mission to do their part to provide assistance in Minot's flood fight and explained they took an oath to stand by the fact that they will do their part to protect Minot.

"If we cannot personally be working on dikes or sandbagging, we still want to be able to contribute," said Mrs. Sweder. "Even though we work, have children, or have other responsibilities, it doesn't mean that we cannot contribute. We are doing our part so that everyone else can continue their mission."

She said they have been helping out since the very first evacuation that occurred in late May. She explained it all began with just a couple people at her house making sandwiches with donated food and it expanded from there.

"This time around I immediately started calling friends so that we could start preparing food again," Mrs. Sweder said. "I first started making food for the sandbaggers in our squadron and it expanded to providing for Guardsmen and others."

One of the biggest meals they have prepared took place on June 24, when they provided food to more than 50 community members and more than 160 Guardsmen.

"There is an overwhelming sense of gratitude from the people of Minot," she said. "When they see how we are trying to support them, even if we are just dropping off water, it makes us feel ecstatic because it shows we are doing such a good job."

Rosanne Callens, 5th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant, said Mrs. Sweder has always been eager to volunteer for the community, including for deployment dinners and for pro-military family fundraisers.

"She has been passionate about helping our servicemembers, truck drivers, and families throughout this whole flood situation." said Ms. Callens. "She's just so spirited; such a positive person and everybody just wants to be a part of it. I think that's why so many people are helping her."

Ms. Callens explained the actions of Mrs. Sweder prove how the military community comes together, especially during crisis situations.

"We see the best of the best of the military and their families during these times," said. Ms. Callens. "It's warms my heart just to see all of the volunteer work being offered. It shows their dedication to being part of something bigger than themselves."

For those interested in assisting Mrs. Sweder in volunteering or donating food and supplies, contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 723-4500.