Air Commandos join in community project

Airmen from the 33rd Special Operations Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., build a chicken coop for Gabriel's Garden, a community project that provides fresh vegetables and eggs for the needy. The garden is the idea of Clovis, N.M., resident Lori Yanez, who named it after her deceased husband, Gabriel, who envisioned a garden that that would be shared with others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Greg Allen) (RELEASED)

Cannon Airman helps in community project

2nd Lt. Kelly Swarts, 33rd Special Operations Squadron, clips chicken wire together to build a chicken coop for Gabriel's Garden, located near Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., July 19, 2010. The coop will house chickens whose eggs will provide food for needy local area residents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Greg Allen) (RELEASED)

Cannon Airmen lend a helping hand

Airmen from the 33rd Special Operations Squadron gave a helping hand July 19, 2010, when they spent an evening weeding and doing other chores for Gabriel's Garden near Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The garden is the idea of Clovis, N.M. resident Lori Yanez who wanted to provide fresh food to the needy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Greg Allen) (RELEASED)

Airmen join community in garden project

Published July 20, 2010
By Greg Allen
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Air Commandos from the 33rd Special Operations Squadron here joined the Clovis, N.M. community in a project that will provide fresh produce and food for the needy.

Airmen toiled under a hot July sun right outside the base as they weeded a plot of land called Gabriel's Garden. Others stretched chicken wire around posts that would ultimately become a chicken coop for future egg layers.

Capt. Diana Gamache learned of the project shortly after her arrival to Cannon following a tour in Iraq. She said when she learned about the project she garnered support from Airmen in the squadron who then made the short off-base trek to lend their backs and muscle in support.

"We want to show the community that we are here for them, emotionally and physically as well," she said.

Gabriel's Garden is the idea of Lori Yanez, who lives on the small plot of land bordered by train tracks on one side, speeding cars on the other and 27th Special Operations Wing aircraft flying overhead. It's named after her deceased husband, who wanted to build a garden so he could share its bounty with others.

The garden, begun this spring, will be available for the less fortunate, who will be able to come by and trade work for food crops such as squash, corn, onions, lettuce, and eggs from the chickens. Mrs. Yanez solicited community support from the senior center, the food bank, the Lighthouse Mission and the Matt 25 Hope Center, which also provides food for the needy.

Kristen Beltran is one of the local youth volunteers who, "just decided to show up one day," and has since become a regular volunteer.

"I was attracted to the project because of what I heard about it, about how it's about people helping themselves," she said. "It's easier to go to help than to go for help," referring to the fact that people earn by volunteering.

Captain Gamache said that this is about the community helping those in need and her squadron plans to continue its efforts.

"I'm glad we are involved," she said.