Operation Spokane Heroes donates to Fairchild Airmen Published Dec. 13, 2017 By Senior Airman Janelle Patiño 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Operation Spokane Heroes, in partnership with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, presented Fairchild and other U.S. military units from the local community with gift cards for service members as part of Operation Spokane Heroes and Northern Quest Casino and Resort’s contribution to military families in the Spokane-area, Dec. 12.“Our military members do so much for us, the least we can do is give back and help. I’m grateful for all you do for us and all the sacrifices you make as military members,” said Sandy Kates, Operation Spokane Heroes chair. “Everyone goes through hard times, and it’s a wonderful feeling to give back.”Col. Ryan Samuelson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, Col. Johan Deutscher, 141st ARW commander, Chief Master Sgt. Lee Mills, 92nd ARW command chief, Chief Master Sgt. David Bishop, 141st ARW command chief, Lt. Col. Patrick Gruber, 336th Training Group deputy commander, alongside leaders from other military branches were each presented 20 gift cards, valued at $125 each, to distribute to service members during the holidays.The Kalispel Tribe of Indians has been donating goods to military members during the holiday season for the past 15 years. Operation Spokane Heroes is a non-profit organization that helps families and veterans in need in the Spokane-area.“I sincerely thank Operation Spokane Heroes and the Kalispel Tribe of Indians for their gracious donation to the men and women of Fairchild Air Force Base,” Samuelson said. “Support for Fairchild from this community is like nothing I’ve ever seen before and this gift is just one example of that. Every day this community works to improve the lives of our dedicated Airmen.”
