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Local support for reservists goes international

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Elaine Mayo
  • Air Force Reserve Command
JACKSON, Miss. --  When Air Force reservist Staff Sgt. Tony Pieske deployed with his unit to Jackson International Airport, here to help with search and rescue efforts of Hurricane Katrina victims, little did he know his deployment would spark a local and international outpouring of generosity from thousands.

Sergeant Pieske is an aerial gunner with the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., the first Air Force helicopter unit to begin rescue operations. Within 36 hours of Hurricane Katrina tearing apart the Gulf Coast and New Orleans area Aug. 30, the 920th RQW was in New Orleans searching for people.

Upon arrival at the airport, troops bedded down wherever they found a spot, but in the days to come, they moved to a local hotel, the Sleep Inn, with the 920th RQW occupying virtually every room.

Pinelake Baptist Church in nearby Brandon, Miss., already involved with helping hundreds of victims of the storm, wanted to do more.

“It’s incredible,” said Becky Pearce, coordinator of disaster relief at Pinelake. “Thousands of people have come forward to volunteer. We get around 100 calls a day from people wanting to give.”

When they learned about the reservists staying at the local hotel, volunteers stepped forward and offered to do their laundry; knowing the reservist were working long hours with little free time.

“We drop our laundry at the front desk by 9:00 a.m. and pick it up the next day,” said Sergeant Pieske. “They even include a few snacks like chips and granola bars with it.”

The hotel also has a table filled with donated toiletries, t-shirts, and socks—all free to any military person in need.

Sergeant Pieske told his mother, Claudia Peiske, about his deploying and the generosity of the church volunteers. Mrs. Peiske, who is president of St. Vincent DePaul and Catholic Charities in Chicago, was attending an international annual meeting and told a few of its members about her son’s deployment and the generosity of Pinelake’s volunteers. A hat was passed and thousands of dollars were collected and sent to the church. Pinelake recently set up a Point of Distribution in Bay St. Louis, Miss., where food, clothing and other items will be available to the hard-hit residents of Hancock County in Mississippi.

In a show of appreciation for their generosity, Col. Tim Tarchick, 920 RQW commander, visited Pinelake and presented Shelby Neese, Pinelake mission pastor, a certificate of appreciation and American flag that was flown over the Gulf Coast and New Orleans area on Sept. 6.

“Thank you from all of us,” said Colonel Tarchick. “You have helped us focus on the mission. Since Tuesday, we have saved over 4,000. The 920th has saved more than 1,200.”