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USAF, ROKAF compassion burns on

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marcus Morris
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  U.S. and Republic of Korea air force personnel donated their time to deliver more than 7,700 pounds of coal to the local Gunsan City community Jan. 30.

This effort was part of a Gunsan City Hall program to bring coal to needy families in the community. The Jeonbuk province financed the program through charitable donations and savings.

The ROKAF delivered the coal for the past five years since the program began, but this year, ROKAF Chief Master Sgt. Ki Yul Kim, 38th Fighter Group command chief, invited the 8th Fighter Wing to help out the community. The Wolf Pack was more than happy to lend a hand.

"We are involved in the community in different facets, so this is an opportunity to give back in a direct way," said Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Robinson, 8th FW command chief. "There are a lot of needy families here and around the area that need coal to heat their homes, so this a very good project where we show some humanity to the locals and deliver coal to their residence."

The coal was delivered to four different residences by 30 volunteers from the U.S. and Republic of Korea air forces and the Jeou Ju Yahnttan Coal Bank.

"It was good to work with the ROKAF and do something for the community," said Staff Sgt. Donnell Cherry, 8th Medical Support Squadron.

The volunteers quickly bonded together passing the coal down a line as the residents smiled in appreciation.

"We will continue working with the ROKAF and the community and keep supporting this program," Robinson said.