Hawaii Air National Guard helps spread Christmas cheer

Members of the Hawaii Air National Guard joined 200 Lanakila Meals on Wheels volunteers in preparing over 700 meals for home bound elderly, Dec. 25, 2015, Honolulu. Members of the HIANG have been assisting in meal preparation and delivery on Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings for more than 10 years. Lanakila Pacific is a nonprofit organization that builds independence for thousands of people living challenged lives. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Jackson/released)

Hawaii Air National Guard helps spread Christmas cheer

Airman 1st Class Myra Zevallos,154th Logistics Readiness Squadron sorts meals for distribution while volunteering for Lanakila Meals on Wheels, Dec. 25, 2015, Honolulu. Over 700 meals where delivered to home bound elderly on the island of Oahu on Christmas morning. Lanakila Pacific is a nonprofit organization that builds independence for thousands of people living challenged lives. Members of the Hawaii Air National Guard have been assisting in the many phases of meal preparation and delivery for over 10 years. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Jackson/released)

Hawaii Air National Guard helps serve up Christmas cheer

Published Jan. 4, 2016
By Senior Airman Orlando Corpuz
154th Wing Public Affairs

HONOLULU -- With much of Hawaii still asleep early Dec. 25, a group of Hawaii Air National Guard Airmen and their families joined more than 200 volunteers at Lanakila Pacific's Meals on Wheels program.

Lanakila Pacific's Meals on Wheels provides home delivery and group dining at 16 locations across Oahu to senior citizens in need and adults with disabilities.

"About 200 volunteers help with the Christmas meal program," said Lyn Moku, Lanakila Pacific's Meals on Wheels program director. "We could not provide this service without the help of our volunteers, many of whom have volunteered with us for years."

The Airmen volunteers were there to help cook, plate, and deliver Christmas Day meals to Honolulu's citizens in need. Many of the volunteers also assisted at last month's Thanksgiving meal effort.

"We volunteer knowing that the less fortunate will be able to enjoy a hot meal without worries," said Senior Master Sgt. David Sala, 154th Logistics and Readiness Squadron material management superintendent. "When you return home from this event, you have a warm feeling knowing that they too can share in the good times."

During the Thanksgiving and Christmas Day events, over 700 meals were delivered to participants. According to officials, the program provided almost 260,000 meals to over 2,000 seniors over the course of last year.

A staff of twenty personnel manages these programs at Lanakila Pacific's Meals on Wheels; success of the meal program depends on a steady stream of volunteers throughout the year.

"[Our Airmen] serve the state," said Sala. "We look at this as an opportunity to give back ... to serve the community."

The younger family members from the 154th helped with plating and operated juice stations.

This year marks the eleventh year HIANG members and family have volunteered at the meal program.

This year's special Hawaiian Christmas menu included pork lau lau, Kalua turkey and cabbage, chicken long rice, sweet potato, and haupia.

"Gifts of time, expertise and resources will make all the difference in the lives of our seniors and their families," said Moku. "We cannot do this alone."