Living Faith receives a helping hand from Nellis Published Nov. 2, 2011 By Master Sgt. Neil Armstrong 99th Contracting Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Local Las Vegas community members may only think of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan when they think about the military. The men and women of Nellis Air Force Base have taken a step toward changing that mindset with their selfless acts of volunteerism. Every Wednesday, Living Faith Assembly Church in downtown Las Vegas conducts a food bank that provides food to more than 250 families by distributing more than 15,000 pounds of food every week. This church has opened its doors to provide assistance to the local community for several years. Unfortunately, it reached a point where it needed a helping hand, and Nellis personnel have answered that call. "Due to the recession that has hit our country, and the dramatic effect it has had on Nevada, families find themselves in dire straits," said Wayne Carrington, Living Faith Assembly member. "The breadwinners in families now find themselves out of work and struggling to make house payments. Families are finding it difficult to pay bills and provide nourishing meals for their children. This food pantry helps to provide food to those in need. We try to do it in a manner where those receiving the food do not feel as if they are being given a hand-out. Rather, they are told that this is provided for them because they deserve it. We all go through difficult times, but the key-word is: through. We know things will be better and we are trying to help facilitate that." Living Faith explained that having the military help with their effort is amazing and heartwarming. The church personnel and those receiving the donations know that members of the armed forces are also going through difficult times. Still, the volunteers from Nellis take the time to help those in need and do it with a smile and cheerful attitude. In talking to those individuals in the line waiting for food, they momentarily forget their problems and remain amazed that they are being served by our military. There can never be a value placed on their presence at the food pantry. "The individuals we help are not so lucky," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Bunn, 57th Wing Safety Office member. "They don't have nice cars or good jobs. They have to worry about if they will make the next food call or where they will find shelter for the night. I do what I do because I love doing it. I just hope others will continue to support the community; you never know when it will be you asking for help." For more information or to volunteer, contact Master Sgt. Neil Armstrong, 99th Contracting Squadron member, at neil.armstron@nellis.af.mil.
