Nellis Airmen make fall festival special Published Oct. 21, 2009 By Airman Cynthia A. Haughton Nellis Public Affairs LAS VEGAS -- There are many volunteer opportunities available at Nellis Air Force Base, ranging from volunteering with Airmen Against Drunk Driving to working as security at various venues downtown. All of these are important, but some are more likely than others to give a special sense of gratification. Such an opportunity was recently presented to Nellis Airmen: the chance to really help out someone in need and to give back to the community. Numerous Airmen volunteered Saturday, Oct. 17, at The Farm's fall festival. People of all ages came out to The Farm to enjoy carriage rides, a hay maze and a petting zoo, and to purchase fresh eggs, honey, jellies, fruits, and vegetables. The event also featured a patch of squash and long-stemmed pumpkins, and a concession stand selling classic farm-market style foods, such as caramel apples, pumpkin chips, and peaches on top of ice cream. "When I'm here, I don't feel like I am in Las Vegas," said Tech. Sgt. Lisa Lee, 926th Group paralegal. "It is like a vacation; it refreshes me." Sergeant Lee said she has been volunteering on her own at The Farm for over a year. The volunteers from Nellis were responsible for manning the concession stand, petting zoo, and a craft table for children, and helping out with anything else the owners, Glenn and Sharon Linsenbardt, needed to run the festival. "The Farm has grown so quickly," said Mrs. Linsenbardt. "Without them... I couldn't do it," she added as a small tear formed in the corner of her eye. But this wasn't the first time that Airmen from Nellis gave their time and energy to help the owners of The Farm. Fifty to sixty Airmen volunteered Sept. 24 to help unload hundreds of pumpkins for the fall festival from a delivery truck. Sergeant Lee remembers the evening with pride. "There was a long line of people, leading from the truck to the inside of the farm, passing the pumpkins to get them unloaded. It only took them 45 minutes to complete the job," she said. "Last year, when the owners had to do it themselves, it took them until 2 a.m." "We were blown away by their hard work and their willingness to help," said Mr. and Mrs. Linsenbardt. Among the patrons at last weekend's fall festival was County Commissioner Larry Brown, who has known Mr. and Mrs. Linsenbardt for many years. "This is such a special place; it is unique in so many ways," said Commissioner Brown. "People are always looking for something special or out of the ordinary to do, and they certainly find that here. The Farm is a piece of Americana." "Nellis is another community treasure that we have," Commissioner Brown added. "Having the Air Force give back to the community is very special." The Farm's fall festival will continue on weekends through Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Farm is located at 7222 W. Grand Teton Drive, Las Vegas, Nev.
