MAFB home to charitable organizations, close friends and family Published Sept. 1, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A non-profit charity organization comprised of Warbirds and Rough Riders pulled together to support an Airman in need by organizing a fundraiser during the last couple weeks of August here. The Airman in need, Senior Master Sgt. Michael Garrett, 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels manager, received the news his wife, Judy, was diagnosed with Type 4 lung cancer July 3. "We didn't expect to receive the care we've gotten," Sergeant Garrett said. "My wife didn't realize how many friends she has. From people cooking for us to organizations like this one putting together a fundraiser, it really is awe inspiring." "We put this together out of generosity and improving community involvement," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Furbush, 5th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs noncommissioned officer-in-charge and member of the charity organization. "He is an Airman in need and we felt we could help provide him relief." The fundraiser gave folks a chance to purchase tickets at $5 each. Each ticket purchased put them in the drawing for a set of two premium design golf clubs, a driver and a hybrid. The set came to a total of $500. More than 200 tickets were sold and an Air Force family will continue their fight against cancer. Small tokens such as these show how strong the bond is among Minot Airmen. Recently, Secretary of the Air Force, Michael B. Donley, addressed members of his family in the Air Force, "We should all be extremely proud of the tremendous contributions our Airmen are making around the world ... Our Airmen expect us to provide a stable environment for them and their families. And, doing so is part of our heritage and culture." As members of the Air Force family, each Airman is looked after, including the Garrett family. The closing date and drawing for the fundraiser took place Aug. 31. The winner of the clubs was Senior Master Sgt. Mario Aceves, 5th Medical Operations Squadron superintendent, who upon accepting the prize returned it requesting another fundraiser be held for another family in need. "What did I win? I don't even know what I won," exclaimed Sergeant Aceves as he approached Sergeant Furbush for the prize. "Taking care of our own people, our Air Force family, is extremely vital. What really amazes me is the amount of folks pulling together for a neighbor, a brother, a sister, a fellow Airman." Sergeant Furbush and his comrades are already planning the next fundraiser for Staff Sgt. Billy Guy, 5th LRS vehicle maintenance technician. Sergeant Guy was riding his four-wheeler while home on leave a couple months ago when he flipped his all-terrain vehicle over on himself and is now immobilized from the waist down. The returned golf equipment will be used in a new fundraiser for Sergeant Guy and his family. "We don't do it to be recognized," said Tech Sgt. Christopher Draper, 5th Medical Group unit training manager and friend of Sergeant's Garrett and Guy. "There are good people in this world and it is certainly heartwarming to see what they can accomplish as a team." [Editors Note: This story is part one of a continued series highlighting the goodwill and comradery of Minot Airmen.]