Hill Airmen, community partners honor America’s veterans

From the left, Master Sgt. Flor Morales, 75th Operations Support Squadron, Airman 1st Class Hannah Maass, Staff Sgt. Lateisha Walker and Airman1st Class Jamie Diaz, all assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron, sort donated food items at the Utah Food Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah, Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. The Airmen worked with Utah Jazz players and personnel, Orbital ATK executives, other military members and the Utah Food Bank to sort food and pack backpacks with nutritious items for distribution to children in the community. The service project, called “Commitment to Service,” was conducted in honor of Veterans Day. (US Air Force photo by Todd Cromar/Released)

Hill Airmen, community partners honor America’s veterans

Trey Burke, Utah Jazz point guard, and Airman 1st Class Brian Shimchick, 729th Air Control Squadron, sort donated food items during a service project called “Commitment to Service” in Salt Lake City, Utah, Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. In honor of Veterans Day, Jazz players, Orbital ATK executives, local military personnel and the Utah Food Bank sorted food and packed backpacks with nutritious items meant to benefit children in the community. (US Air Force photo by Todd Cromar/Released)

Hill Airmen, Utah Jazz, partner in community service event

Published Nov. 10, 2015
75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- In honor of Veterans Day, Hill Air Force Base and the Utah Jazz participated in the league-wide NBA/Department of Defense "Commitment to Service" campaign, featuring hands-on community service to support and recognize current and retired service members and their families.

On Nov. 6, Jazz players and front office personnel, and Orbital ATK executives worked side-by-side with local military members at the Utah Food Bank sorting food, packing backpacks with nutritious items, and working with children from the Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center in the Kids Café.

A couple players also made a special visit to the George E. Whalen VA Medical Center.

This is the second year Hill Air Force Base has participated in the Commitment to Service event with the Utah Jazz.

Last year, Airmen and players visited the VA Medical Center to refurbish the hospital courtyard with new landscaping bark, replace old lighting, serve a meal at the nearby Fisher House, hang Christmas lights in trees and visit with hospitalized veterans.

"We're excited to partner with the Utah Jazz again to show our Commitment to Service," said Col. Ron Jolly, 75th Air Base Wing and installation commander at Hill Air Force Base. "When joining the military, every service member raises his or her hand and pledges to serve. This project is a tangible way we can demonstrate service before self to the Utah community, which has always been so supportive of our service members."

"We are proud to again participate in Hoops for Troops week," said Utah Jazz President Randy Rigby. "Working alongside military members in Commitment to Service is just one way we are able to give back to our local community and show our support of the brave men and women who serve our country.

(Information in the article is courtesy of the Utah Jazz.)