Instructor pilot organizes holiday feast for local families Published Dec. 11, 2013 By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Twenty-nine local families enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast this year thanks to an instructor pilot with the 3rd Flying Training Squadron. Capt. Julia Mahaffey raised $765 to feed the families and spent the weekend before Thanksgiving shopping for and packaging the non-perishable foods based on family size. "It was kind of fun," said Mahaffey, a Berlin, Germany, native. "It was like doing a puzzle -- running around to different stores finding the best prices for the things." On Nov. 25, with the help of some students awaiting pilot training, Mahaffey purchased 17 hams and 12 turkeys and delivered them along with the boxed goods to the Salvation Army. "It was really touching what the base did for our community," said Ernie Hull, a captain in the Salvation Army in Enid. "When the families came on Tuesday they were so thrilled at what they got this year." According to Hull, families of three were getting almost the same amount of food a family of six received in previous years at the Salvation Army. Mahaffey also added festive dinnerware, table cloths, cooking trays and utensils. "I would like to do this every year if I can," said Mahaffey. "I have always had an urge to help people when I can. It's something my mom instilled in me." The idea to deliver the Thanksgiving dinners came to her after she answered an ad on Craig's List. "Someone was asking for a bag of dog food and I thought 'I've got that,'" said Mahaffey. "After that I started keeping an eye out for more ads on there for people in need." "She does this kind of stuff all time, it's her go-to activity when she's not teaching students how to fly," said 1st Lt. Patrick Skaife, also a 3rd FTS instructor pilot. "I'm really good at video games and she's really good at helping people."