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Special tactics receive special delivery

By Rachel Arroyo, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs / Published January 25, 2013

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HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The Cub Scouts have a longstanding tradition of giving back to the military community, but this time they were able to put a face to the Airmen who often receive their donations miles from home.

Six Cub Scouts from Cub Scout Pack 104 out of Navarre, Fla., donated $760 worth of popcorn to Airmen from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Jan. 24.

This marks the first time members from Pack 104 were able to give their donations in person.

The six Scouts, ranging in age from 7 to 12, were representing 47 of their peers from Pack 104 which raised $4,190 in military donations in addition to what was purchased directly in popcorn.
 
The $4,190 will go to central fundraising at which point popcorn will be purchased and sent to military personnel on Pack 104's behalf.

The boys also made thank you cards to be distributed to military personnel along with the snacks featuring crayon drawings of Airmen, American flags, aircraft and tanks.

In exchange for their generosity, a handful of combat controllers from the 23 STS donned their tactical combat gear and received their visitors in front of a Humvee and a motorcycle.

"This is a great opportunity to show the Cub Scouts we are serving them, protecting them and that we are here for them too," said Staff Sgt. Steven Pillar.

Eyes were wide as the Cub Scouts were hoisted into the Humvee for a quick ride around the compound after handing off their popcorn.

Smiles stretched across their faces when combat controllers demonstrated rappelling off a tower. They had the boys pass the boxes up to them as they remained suspended in the air.

The consensus among the Scouts was the rappelling demonstration was the coolest part. Pack 104 has been rock climbing, but they have yet to attempt the rappelling part, they said.

One of the Cub Scouts, whose name is withheld because his father is currently deployed, was eager to donate the popcorn to help his dad.

He called the experience "great" and passed on some words for his father.

"I miss you. I can't wait for you to come back," he said, adding "I'm proud of him."

As the boys loaded a large utility bag with popcorn, the combat controllers jokingly told them to carry it back to their compound after it had been filled.

Without skipping a beat, the six Scouts each grabbed a portion of a bag much bigger than them and started to hall it off together before the Airmen took over.

Cubmaster Glen Copeland credited the members of his Pack for their hard work and giving spirit.

"I am extremely proud of all our boys in Pack 104 for their eagerness and efforts in honoring our servicemen and women," he said.

Master Sgt. Carlos Villarreal, first sergeant at the 23 STS said he was more than happy to help support an effort that helps warriors experience a "touch of home."

"This lifts the spirits, and it supports our guys by having them see something from their children downrange," Villarreal said.