JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Members of the Freedom Wing went to Pauline B. Grant Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Pemberton, N.J., to distribute food, vaccines and resources. They were joined by church members, health professionals and other volunteers to distribute food and administer vaccines to over 70 people on Saturday, 13 November.
In a partnership between the 514th Air Mobility Wing First Sergeants Council and New Jersey Black Women’s Physicians Association, members of the local community received food and medical care.
“We hand out over 3,000 pounds of food at each drive, we are out here on the second Saturday of each month,” said Rev. David L. Wynn, pastor of Pauline B. Grant CME church and a retired Army Command Sergeant Major.
Although Wynn went on to say, “I wish they were Army,” with a smile, “we appreciate all the help of the men and women of the Air Force Reserve who chose to be with us today.”
Throughout the day, people in a steady stream of cars collected food and were administered vaccines and information. This was courtesy of Jay Patel, a Pharmacist with Ultra Care Health Mart, who partnered with Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield on this initiative.
A representative of the New Jersey Black Women’s Physicians Association said, “We were happy to partner with such great organizations to help fill the disparity between our black and brown communities and ensure proper education and availability to vaccines.”
As the First Sergeant Council continues to look for ways to serve both on base and in our local communities, events like this help further our bond with the neighborhoods we live and work in.
“As we head into the holiday season, drive-ins like this are vital to the health and wellbeing of our Burlington County residents,” said Kimberly Hill, Senior Director of Health and Wellness, with the Foodbank of South Jersey.
“Outside the base fence line is the home of many of our members, so whenever we have the opportunity to help our neighbors we will answer that call,” said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Moody, President, 514th Air Mobility Wing First Sergeant Council.
If you would like to get involved with future food drive initiatives or are facing food insecurity issues, please go to foodbankSJ.org for more information.