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Warrior spirit restores stolen Christmas

  • Published
  • By Capt. Cathleen Snow
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Christmas spirit was stolen away from a deployed Airman serving in Afghanistan when his home in south Florida was burglarized and all of his kids' Christmas presents taken from beneath the tree.

As a combat-search-and-rescue helicopter crew chief, Staff Sergeant Kristopher Castillobrock, 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., received the news from home after a day of launching life-saving missions out of Kandahar Air Field to rescue the injured.

Feeling helpless and unable to provide comfort and security to his wife and three kids from afar, Castillobrock went to his first sergeant at the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, Master Sgt. Matt English, who immediately mobilized the warrior spirit to help.

"Unfortunately, when these tragedies happen around the holidays, we are especially affected by the loss," said Col. Robert Ament, 920th Rescue Wing Vice Commander.

When the tragic news was reported back to the 920th RQW here, Airmen and key spouses of Airmen pulled together to return Christmas to the young family.

While they are safe, Team Rescue has not only mobilized and effort to resupply the gifts, but they took their support to a higher level to restore the family's sense of security.

"We've contacted the 482nd Fighter Wing and SOUTHCOM (U.S. Air Force Southern Command) (both located near Miami) and fellow Airmen are heading to the burglarized home to repair the break-in damage and look into installing an alarm system," said Ament.

The family expressed their gratitude for all of the support and stated the children were excited that "the Air Force was going to help them!" They also expressed gratitude for Sergeant English's help in coordinating police assistance so the family could return to the home to get clothing without being afraid.

Currently, a shopping and Christmas-wrapping frenzy is in effect by the Team Rescue Family, while at the same time fundraisers have commenced in the form of a holiday burger burn by fellow maintenance Airmen for donations.

Santa Clause is expected to head back to the family's home for a second go around of present delivery very soon.

"These things we do, that others may live. For the 920th Rescue Wing, this isn't just a motto--it's a mission we live by, both at home station and abroad," said Ament.

To learn more about the 920th RQW, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.