Barnes Donated 124 Turkey's to local Families Published Dec. 7, 2008 By 011208 BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Massachusetts -- The 104th Fighter Wing donated 104 turkeys to the Westfield Salvation Army for the 5th year on November 21st. The money collected to purchase these turkey's came from the annual Munitions Flight Charity Drive. In addition to the annual donation to the Salvation Army, the unit was also able to donate 20 additional turkeys to Margaret's Pantry in Holyoke. Annually, the Munitions Flight organizes an event to raise funds and gather food donations during the wing's December unit training assembly. Following the event, any non-perishable food items donated by unit members are delivered to the Westfield Open Pantry, while the money received is used the preceding year to purchase thanksgiving turkeys and to sponsor other charitable events. This year, the annual donation collection will be held on December 6-7. Last years fundraising effort allowed the unit to give over 600 lbs of food to the Westfield Open Pantry the week before Christmas. The money collected went toward purchasing this years turkeys as well as sponsoring many charitable events that unit members were involved with. In 2008 the unit sponsored members through the: Westfield Boys and Girls Club Angel Tree program, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the National Epilepsy Foundation, and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. The Munitions Flight hopes to surpass last years donation, "Every year, we try to make a positive impact on the community", said Senior Airman Dominic Rizzo, one of the program coordinators. " I have been part of the annual drive for the past 3 years, and I am always amazed at the response we get from the wing." ##30## This years food donation will occur December 9th. If you have any questions regarding this release, please feel free to contact the 104th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office. Capt Matthew T. Mutti Wing Exec Staff Officer 104th Fighter Wing Barnes Air National Guard Base 175 Falcon Drive Westfield MA, 01085 Pa.104fw@mabarn.ang.af.mil (413) 568-9151 x 1800 DSN 698-1800 1-800-241-3005 Cell 413-627-9735