Holiday operation helps base families Published Jan. 23, 2007 By Frank McIntyre Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- The Vance Air Force Base first sergeants got a head start on the season's gift giving with their annual Operation Warmheart program. Thirty deserving Team Vance families received checks totaling $1,800, allowing them to have more festive holiday meals than they may have been able to afford otherwise. "This year's program was different in that the families were presented checks for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays at the same time," said MSgt Michael Coleman, 71st Operations Support Squadron first sergeant. "This allowed families the opportunity to purchase what they wanted, rather than give them something they may not enjoy." The funds were raised by the first sergeants council through the annual golf tournament and donations from a broad spectrum of base and community organizations, including chapel, Air Force Association, the Top 3, Air Force Sergeants Association and private donations. Purchase savings coupons from a local food vendor were also donated. "Thank you first sergeants; Operation Warmheart is such a blessing," said an anonymous recipient. "The entire Enid community embraced our efforts and donated to the Vance Airman's Assistance Fund, which is run by the first sergeants and is a year long program to aid Airmen with financial hardships," Sergeant Coleman said. "Operation Warmheart is just one of the programs we provide to the enlisted community."