Airmen receive thank you cards from children across northwest US

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Putting mission-ready Airmen and equipment downrange is crucial to success, and the 366th Fighter Wing Airmen make that happen on a daily basis.

Whether through long days or frigid nights, these Airmen do their jobs to the best of their abilities, rarely asking for praise. However, much to a few Airmen's surprise, that's exactly what they got. Gunfighters at the 366th FW received thank-you cards from children across the northwest.

“The hardest thing about my job is making sure I’m safe, that I do everything by the book, and that I do my part,” said Airman 1st Class Dexter Holiday, 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member. “It makes me feel great to receive a small thing like a thank you card.”

Holiday said he sometimes feels like he and his crew go unnoticed, but reading the card he received makes him realize people do care about Airmen on the flightline.

Another Gunfighter, Airman 1st Class Carol Russell, 366th AMXS integrated avionics specialist, felt like she could relate to the child’s heart-felt encouragement.

"I think it’s super special,” Russell said. “I know that when I was a kid, I probably would have wanted to do something just like this. It’s really sweet that a little girl in Washington took the time to write this for us.”

Russell said that she encourages children to keep writing to Airmen, and that it does make a difference.

“I know that if I could share this with everyone in my shop they would be grateful.”

More of these letters will be delivered by the Airman & Family Readiness Center to the deployed Gunfighters that are unable to spend the holidays with their families.

“These cards will make them feel at home knowing that they are a part of a bigger picture,” Holiday said. “I’m pretty sure it will warm their heart.”