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Operation Warmheart gives $1,500 to commissary customers

  • Published
  • By By Tech. Sgt. Aaron Oelrich
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  The  First Sergeant's Council supported Operation Warmheart June 27 by handing out $1,500 in commissary gift cards to Hickam Commissary customers.

First sergeants from around the base handed out $25 and $50 commissary gift cards to military members E-6 and below and their dependents. The gift card giveaway was a way for Operation Warmheart to give back to the JBPHH community and let people know that Operation Warmheart is a year-round campaign.

"It seems like most people associate Operation Warmheart with the holidays and asking for donations instead of giving back," said Master Sgt. Jacob Davidson, 747th Communications Squadron's first sergeant and Operation Warmheart council president. "We don't want people to think Operation Warmheart is only asking for donations. We want people to know that Operation Warmheart is helping out the community as well."

Davidson said shoppers looked surprised as the first sergeants stopped them to hand out the gift cards.

"I thought they were doing a fundraiser when I saw the Operation Warmheart banner," said Tech. Sgt. Adrienne Watson, from Pacific Air Force Command Air, Space, and Logistics Operations. "I was very surprised when they gave me the gift card. It is a blessing for us and it will really help us out."

According to Davidson, the gift card give away was open to all E-6 and below shopping at the commissary, regardless of branch of service.

Tomia Harp, mother of four and wife of Army Sgt. Nathaniel Harp, 249th Engineer Battalion Schofield Barracks, said, "I was shocked and grateful when he handed me a gift card. It means less money out of my pocket and that it is very helpful."

Davidson said that Operation Warmheart is a support organization for Airmen during times of need. Operation Warmheart provides no interest loans as well as support to the community during the holidays and year-round. Last year Operation Warmheart gave $30,000 to families in need and have plans to do so again this year.

"Operation Warmheart is literally here just to help the community," said Davidson. "I want people to think of Operation Warmheart as a throughout the year organization not just the holidays."