Airmen drive meals to seniors' doorsteps Published Aug. 10, 2006 By Senior Airman Stacia Zachary 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Team Pope Airmen are doing more than training for mission readiness and fighting the Global War on Terror; they also fight the senior citizens need for food by participating in the Meals on Wheels program in Fayetteville. Meals on Wheels is a highly visible community service organized by the Elderly Nutrition Program of Cumberland County. Volunteers deliver hot lunches five days a week to senior citizens who are unable to prepare their own meals. "It makes seniors feel so important when military members show up on their doorstep in uniform," Serina Britton, ENPCC site manager. "Plenty of seniors don't have family members actively involved in their lives to help with food and in a way, the military steps in to fulfill this role." The program is in crucial need of volunteers. As gas prices increase, the number of volunteers has been on the decline. Many volunteers are either cutting back on the days they can help or stopping participation in the program altogether. "This month alone I had three volunteers quit," said Ms. Britton. "Gas prices have really put a crunch in a program that is already badly in need of help." Just as the program is struggling to continue providing much needed meals to seniors, the Air Force steps in to help lift the burden of taking care of Cumberland County's elderly. "Not to long ago I was wondering how we would get the meals out (to the people)," said Pat Boone, program director. "Then, the military stepped in to make sure that the meals are delivered hot and fresh." One person who helped form a group to deliver meals is a captain from the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. "When I heard about this program and figured out that (the military) could help, I decided to enlist the help of my squadron," said Capt. Karen Dunne, 43rd AES. "I didn't have any trouble finding people who were willing to give up their lunch breaks to make sure other people got a chance to eat." One such person was inspired by the seniors' reactions to the military delivering the lunchtime meals. "Knowing they're going to eat and seeing the smile on their faces when they answer the door bell makes it a worthwhile experience," said Staff Sgt. Eric Trout, 43rd AES. "Many of these people are alone all day long and for the few minutes we are there, I know that I was able to make a difference." Servicemembers are often viewed with mixed emotions when they enter a community. It is important that Airmen make the community feel comfortable with them. One way to achieve this is through volunteering. "We need to bridge the gap between the military and community," said Captain Dunne. "We will be better received if we involve ourselves more. Many of us look to retire where we live or need to form a bond because they have children. By volunteering, we are able to create a lifelong opportunity to be part of their community." With the help of the military, the program can begin arranging meals for senior citizens who have been placed on a waiting list. "As more (servicemembers) volunteer to help out, we can get food to more people," said Ms. Britton. "We need more help because many people do not eat without these meals. Oftentimes, it is a choice between the purchase of medications or food. If we can take care of their food, then they don't have to pick and choose which medications they need." Many of the volunteers are senior citizens themselves. Some may one day count on the service Meals on Wheels provides. "When everyone shares the responsibility and helps take care of the elderly, there is no burden," said Captain Dunne. When the youth steps in and cares for the elderly, they provide the groundwork for taking care of one another. "It's usually elderly helping elderly but who helps them when they need more help?" said Captain Dunne. "Us. That is the whole point of our involvement: set things in motion now so we have someone to rely on later on in life." Meals on Wheels is provided Monday through Friday. Meals are served at noon. For more information or to volunteer, call Ms. Britton at 484-0111, ext. 38.