Members of the 927th AMDS provide support to Oklahoma Disaster Victims

  • Published
  • By Maj. Christine Stanaback
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  On June 5, 2013 the 927th Aerospace Medicine Squadron donated $700 dollars to the American Red Cross for victims of the Oklahoma tornado that caused 24 deaths on May 20, 2013.

"The tornado hit close to home. Our commander and deputy commander are both from that area. We were worried about them and their families," said Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Kupcho, 927th AMDS senior air reserve technician.

Colonel Brian Pinkston, 927th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander commutes over 1200 miles to MacDill Air Force Base as a traditional reservist from an area northeast of Oklahoma City and Lt. Col. Paul Stroud, 927th AMDS deputy commander moved to Tampa two years ago from Oklahoma City and has relatives that remain in the affected area.

"I consider AMDS part of my extended family and it did not take long for people to respond," said Master Sgt. Angela Mitchell, 927th AMDS superintendent of aerospace medicine.

Members of the 927th AMDS were relieved to hear the families of both their commanders were safe from the natural disaster, but still felt the need to contribute.

During June's unit training assembly, the unit raised $700 dollars. On June 5, Stroud and his team presented a check to Janet McGuire, American Red Cross regional communications officer, for Oklahoma tornado relief.

"We have members that live out there and I wanted to do my part" said Master Sgt. Laura Laux, 927th AMDS non-commissioned officer in charge of dental services. "I've been with this unit for 6 years; the donation is a representation of the positive attitude and giving spirit that is inherent in our unit."

"Ninety-one cents of every dollar they donated will go directly to the Oklahoma tornado relief fund to buy blankets, food, and clean-up supplies to aid victims of the tornado," said McGuire, American Red Cross regional communications officer.