931 CES supports Special Olympics

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Abigail Klein
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Reservists from the 931st Civil Engineer Squadron donated their time and talent to provide top cover for the Special Olympics of Kansas, June 3.

Ten 931 CES Airmen set up general purpose tents for the organization's 45th Annual Summer Games at the Wichita State University campus. The games will take place June 4 -6.

For Tech. Sgt. Stacey Spain, 931 CES Emergency Management NCOIC, this was her fourth year participating in the set up.  The setup can last anywhere from four to six hours, or up to two days depending on the experience level and number of Airmen who volunteer.

"Fortunately today we have a lot of experience," said Spain.  "This is for a good cause and we really enjoy doing this."

The weather is also a factor.  According to base weather office, over the month of May, the local Wichita area received more than 12 inches of rain. The wind can present difficulties as well, said Senior Airman Ellie Drake, 931st CES emergency manager.

"I've volunteered ever since I started with the unit. We almost always get rain after we set up here," she said.  "The wind can also cause some challenges. I remember one year one of our tents got blown around a [light] pole."

This was Drake's third year volunteering for Special Olympics despite still recovering from a shoulder injury she received during a recent deployment.

Reservists from the 931st CES have provided tents and set up for the event for the past fifteen years.  To volunteer for Special Olympics Kansas, call (913) 236-9290.