Alamo Wing makes a difference at Feast of Sharing

Senior Master Sgt. Lisa De Leon (right) 433rd Airlift Control Flight, 433rd Airlift Wing, her grandmother Jasmine Velasco, (center) and her daughter, Jasmine Velasco represent three generations of making a difference. The three volunteered at H-E-B’s 24th Annual Feast of Sharing on Dec. 20, 2014 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino)

Alamo Wing makes a difference at Feast of Sharing

Tech. Sgt. Erin Trueblood, a medical technician with the 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, picks up empty plates at H-E-B’s 24th Annual Feast of Sharing on Dec. 20, 2014. Trueblood was one of the 14 Alamo Wing, who helped 1,500 volunteers serve up a holiday plate of ham, green beans and mashed potatoes at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino)

Alamo Wing makes a difference at Feast of Sharing

Tech. Sgt. Ed Chagoy, a surgical technician with the 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, help serve some of the 18,000 meals to guests at H-E-B’s 24th Annual Feast of Sharing on Dec. 20, 2014, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. This year marks Chagoy’s eighth year of serving at the feast. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino)

Alamo Wing makes a difference at Feast of Sharing

Tech Sgt. Ed Chagoy, a surgical technician with the 433 Aerospace Medicine Squadron, is assisted by his son Luke at H-E-B’s 24th Annual Feast of Sharing on Dec. 20, 2014 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. "I have been doing this for eight years. I like the satisfaction of giving back to the San Antonio community. It is also an opportunity for him (son) to learn how to do this when he grows up," Chagoy said. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino)

Alamo Wing makes a difference at Feast of Sharing

Alamo Wing” members, along with family members and friends were among over 1500 volunteers from Greater San Antonio serving a holiday meal at H-E-B’s 24th Annual Feast of Sharing on Dec. 20, 2014 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Over 18,000 meals are served to needy and homeless residents in San Antonio, Texas, annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino)

Alamo Wing makes a difference at annual Feast

Published Dec. 29, 2014
By Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino
433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland --
"Treat the guests, as you would treat them in your house," the event coordinator told the 1500 volunteers gathered for a briefing before H-E-B's 24th Annual Feast of Sharing holiday dinners at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

With that in mind, a small, but enthusiastic group of 13 volunteers from the 433rd Airlift Wing, along with family members and friends, joined the volunteer force from the Greater San Antonio Area in serving more than 18,000 meals at the event on Dec. 20, 2014.

The H-E-B Annual Feast of Sharing began in Laredo, Texas in 1989. Today, it takes place in cities throughout Texas, serving a holiday meal to more than 250,000 hungry souls.

Tech Sgt. Ed Chagoy, a surgical technician with the 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, coordinated the "Alamo Wing" volunteers, sees it as not just an opportunity to give back, but a chance to pass on a legacy of helping those in need to his son Luke.

"I have been doing this for eight years. I like the satisfaction of giving back to the San Antonio community. It is also an opportunity for him (son) to learn how to do this when he grows up," Chagoy said.

"I and my fellow 433rd members do this to give back to the community, even though it may be the last Saturday to shop before Christmas." Chagoy said.

Another veteran of serving at the feast was Capt. Chanelle Linson, executive officer with the 433d Mission Support Group.

"This was my second-year volunteering to work. I helped because I am blessed with so much, and I want to give back and serve those that may be less fortunate than me," Linson said.

"The guests appreciated the members of the 433rd serving them, especially the veterans in attendance," she said.

Making their debut as volunteers at the feast were Senior Master Sgt. Lisa De Leon, the superintendent of the mobile command post with the 433rd Airlift Control Flight, her mother San Juanita De Leon, and her daughter Jasmine Velasco.

"My mother taught me to give back, and that what you give to others will come back to you. I want to instill this in my daughter and give her those values," she said.
"Since this is my first-time volunteering, I wish I had done this sooner," De Leon said.

"As a service member I believe it is very important that we serve our community and set a positive example for others to follow," Linson said.

The H-E-B Feast of Sharing is the culmination of a year-round commitment H-E-B makes to fighting hunger. This year H-E-B visited 20 Texas communities, providing a holiday dinner to more than 250,000 residents in Texas.