Beale First Sergeants give back Published March 13, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Beale showed its volunteer spirit by helping feed more than 120 families during a food drive in Penn Valley, Calif., March 11. With the help of Beale's first sergeants' council, The Food Bank of Nevada County organized a food drive to provide groceries and home essentials to local residents. "We are absolutely thrilled to have them help us out," said Jennifer Morrill, a Food Bank of Nevada County coordinator. "Many of our volunteers are active-duty service members or veterans." The first sergeants helped with setting up the event by palletizing and distributing thousands of pounds of food and home goods. "The local community does a lot for Beale; helping out today is the least we can do," said Master Sgt. Amy Riley, 9th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "It's also something that we all enjoy doing." Early in the week, the volunteers also helped assemble more than 400 bags of canned goods in preparation of the food drive. "With their help, we were able to cut the amount of time in half," said Bob Dion, a Food Bank of Nevada County warehouse coordinator. "I couldn't have done it without them." In addition, Morrill said that the food drive distribution was also completed in half the time, and she praised Beale for its involvement. "They were super-efficient and definitely raised the bar," Morrill said. "We can't thank them enough." Local community residents also praised Beale and the military for their efforts stateside and abroad. "It's just amazing to see them sacrifice so much for our country overseas and then come out here and help the less fortunate," said a local Penn Valley resident. "They are truly amazing people." (For information about local volunteer opportunities, contact your first sergeant or visit the volunteer section of the weekly High Flyer email.)