Comm Squadron leads the way in 2012 ‘Feds Feed Families’ food drive Published Sept. 11, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Sykora 71st Communications Squadron VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 71st Communications Squadron epitomized the true Wingman concept in support of President Barack Obama's "Feds Feed Families" campaign this year, collecting 1,122 pounds of non-perishable food items, double last year's total. All of Team Vance donated a total of 2,001 pounds of food. During the 2012 campaign, ending here Aug. 31, the base worked with five local community agencies and set-up multiple drop locations around Vance for non-perishable food donations. The 71st CS doubled their 2011 collection, accounting for 56 percent of Vance's 2,001-pound total contribution. In response to patron requests from last year, the Vance Commissary prepared bags of food customers could buy and donate. "Our customers bought 86 bags for the campaign," said Sheila Gilbert, the commissary manager. The bags contained cans of vegetables and fruits and other non-perishable food items. The annual "Feds Feed Families" campaign is sponsored by the Department of Defense to combat food shortages in local food banks and shelters. Over the last three years, thousands of DOD members have stepped up and donated more than 8 million pounds of non-perishable food items. This year was no different. DOD collected more than 1.71 million pounds of food, exceeding the goal of 1.5 million pounds. All of the food collected by Team Vance for "Feds Feed Families" will be distributed to local area food banks and shelters.