Barnes Family helps Westfield Families

  • Published
  • By Capt. Matthew T. Mutti, Wing Executive Staff Officer
  • 104th Fighter Wing
Members of the 104th Fighter Wing adopted children from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield for Christmas through the annual "Angel Tree Program."

This year the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield provided names and Christmas wish lists for 34 children ("Angels") who may have gone without during the holidays if it weren't for the generosity of the members of the 104th Fighter Wing.
Members adopted an angel and ensured each child had a Merry Christmas. In some cases, entire shops or sections adopted a family and provided for a group of children.

In addition to the Angels from the Boys and Girls Club, the unit sponsored 16 additional children from within the organization, helping our internal family as some of our traditional Airmen have been struggling with recent civilian-job lay-offs.

"The members of the 104th Fighter Wing take a personal interest in the well-being of the members of this community," stated Ms. Sandy Wakefield, 104th Fighter Wing Family Readiness Coordinator. "Our members are always willing to help members of our community who may need our help."

This is the fourth year the unit has participated in this program. The program has grown from 25 children in 2004 to 50 this year.
The following thank you was sent to the 104th Fighter Wing for their generosity:

"Dear Barnes Personnel, 

I want to send all of you a heart-felt thank you for your generous donations of gifts to the members of the Boys and Girls Club. As usual you all came through again for the kids. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our children. 

Thank you, 

Kellie Brown // Program Director"