Vance air traffic controllers spruce up local YWCA

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frank John Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Eleven Airmen from the 71st Operations Support Squadron radar approach control at Vance Air Force Base, volunteered to do some ground maintenance and cleanup at the YWCA in Enid, Okla., Nov. 12.

"We aren't just partners with the community, we are part of it, and it's important for us to put forth an effort to help out where we can," said Master Sgt. Jason Trickey, an air traffic controller with the 71st OSS. "It's not just about being a good Airman. It's about being a good American."

The 11 volunteers arrived at the YWCA at about 1 p.m. and spent two hours weeding flowerbeds, trimming hedges and cleaning up trash around the playground and the rest of the facility.

"That amount of work would have normally taken about a month for us to finish," said Rynn Day, the community education and prevention specialist with the YWCA.

The volunteers' success was due in no small part to the organization and coordination of (Airman 1st Class) Jessica Navarro, said Trickey.

"It was great to have an opportunity like this to help our Enid neighbors and to let them know our mission here isn't just military operations, but to take care of our community as well," by Navarro, an air traffic controller with the 71st OSS.

Volunteering in the community provides opportunities for Airmen to take on leadership roles and set the example for their fellow Airmen, said Trickey.

"The servicemen and servicewomen who came out and helped were great to work with," said Day. "They got a lot more done than I expected." said Day.


"It felt really good to be able to make the facility look nicer for the people who need it," said Navarro.

"We are always looking for volunteers to help us out," said Day. "We are looking forward to working with the men and women at Vance in the future. They are a great bunch."

For information about volunteering at the YWCA, contact Day at (580) 234-7581.