WISH for OUR HEROES delivers gifts to 433rd AES family

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kristian Carter
  • 433rd Airlift Wing
Johnson City, Texas --  

A WISH for OUR HEROES representative and 433rd Airlift Wing senior leaders delivered gifts to Senior Airman Krystal Donaghey’s children Dec. 17 near Johnson City, Texas. Donaghey is a 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aeromedical evacuation technician.

The Donaghey family’s home is severely damaged from a house fire that occurred Oct. 9.

Michael Denman, WISH for OUR HEROES board member, drove from Indiana to deliver gifts to service members in the San Antonio area. The organization delivered gifts to 12 other military families Dec. 16, before visiting with the Donagheys.

Denman, Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Morton, 433rd AES, and Master Sgt. Fernando Prendez, 433rd Airlift Wing Top-3 member, and Air Force master resilience trainer, surprised Donaghey at her home.

“The kids were looking out the window and said ‘What is that? It’s a huge trailer,’ said Donaghey. “It’s pretty exciting and surprising.”

Multiple individuals in Donaghey’s chain-of-command and organizations within the wing started working to assist Donaghey and family once they knew of the devastation.

“The out pouring of support from our Alamo Wing members never cease to amaze me,” said 433rd AW Command Chief Master Sgt. Shana C. Cullum. “The behind the scene coordination was in full force from the Rising 6, Top 3, First Sergeant’s Council, Company Grade Officers’ Council and Chiefs’ Groups. When working together, the level of support shown to the Donaghey family demonstrates the determination and dedication our professional groups have. I couldn’t be prouder!”

“The kids love the fact that the military and my unit have stepped in so much (to help). It makes them feel happy and blessed,” Donaghey said. “It means everything to know that I have this kind of people standing behind me. That when I signed on the line, I have them by me. It means a lot.”

WISH for OUR HEROES, is an organization that assists military service members who are facing challenges.

The Donaghey family was out of the house at the time of the fire. Inspectors said an electrical short started the fire. They are staying with family while working to repair their home.