Volunteering builds Wolf Pack resiliency

  • Published
  • By by Senior Airman Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 8th Fighter Wing Wolf Pack took resiliency to a new level Nov. 27, 2013, sidestepping the Power Point slides, and getting Airmen to volunteer in the local community.

"We could have spent this day going over briefings on budgeting, finance and talking about relationship issues," said Col. S. Clinton Hinote, 8th Fighter Wing commander. "These are good things, but they are available to us all year. We decided to do something different for Resiliency Day."

A large portion of the Wolf Pack helped at local libraries, women's shelters, elementary schools, kimchee farms and retirement homes in and around Gunsan City, Republic of Korea.

"We decided that the best way to build resiliency is to get outside our own little worlds and do something for someone else," said Hinote.

The day was spent cleaning, shoveling, raking, farming and making traditional food for the needy and homeless. According to one Airman, who is missing his third holiday season with his family, the experience was enjoyable and rewarding.

"I've been laughing all day and having fun," said Airman 1st Class Jacob Gagnon, 8th Maintenance Squadron. "It's definitely something different. Being away from family for the upcoming holidays is going to be tough. I definitely think that being resilient and being able to handle that is a big part of doing what we do."

The Wolf Pack focused on the well-being of others as part of becoming resilient. After a day's work of supporting the local community, Airmen ended their not-so-standard day by sharing memories and experiences with their Wolf Pack family.