Generous donation made on behalf of children of MS Air National Guard members

  • Published
  • By TSgt Ed Staton
  • 172d AW
April 5, 2013 --  Thanks to a generous donation presented to the Mississippi Air National Guard on behalf of the children MSANG personnel, more kids will have the opportunity to participate in the camps and retreats conducted by the Mississippi National Guard.  Post 1776, Boys State Program Director Steve Guyton and Joe Kersh, Adjutant of The American Legion Mississippi Delta Post No. 1776 made the presentation at the 172d AW on April 3, 2013.

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation's largest wartime veterans' service organization. The organization's mission statement states that it's "committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans."

"This will be such a boost to our children," Said Marianne Breland, the 172d AW's Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager. "So many groups and individuals are facing such difficult fiscal times. Knowing that these gentlemen thought of us and wante to help our Guard members' children is very special."

The donation will help fund the children's participation in camps such as the Tara Wildlife Camp and Kids AT that takes place each summer at Camp Shelby. The wildlife camp is designed to provide today's youth ages 9-16 with both an understanding and an appreciation of our cherished natural resources and the wise management of those resources. The Kids AT gives the youngsters a glimpse of military life while blending fun activities and leadership training.