Moses Lake community thanks Fairchild Airmen Published April 29, 2011 By by Airman 1st Class Earlandez M. Young 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Dennis L. Clay, an author who organizes luncheons for Airmen who are stationed at Moses Lake, Wash. for temporary duty, along with 30 other civilians of Moses Lake, invited Airmen to their third community luncheon April 19, which they host once per-month. "After a reception a couple months ago down at the terminal, there was such a hunger for people wanting to be around the military," Mr. Clay said. "Most of the people who I'm talking about were at the luncheon Tuesday and graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1965, and Larson Air Force Base closed in 1966, so most of the people who were at the community luncheon were once 'Air Force brats.'" The Airmen ate lunch, received an Easter gift bag and a Moses Lake t-shirt. There was also a drawing for two specially-designed t-shirts. Most of the Airmen who attended the luncheon didn't quite expect the crowd and activities that were introduced to them. "This was quite the experience," said Airman 1st Class Daniel J. Oleson, 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator. "Everyone was nice and warm-hearted, and you could tell that they were filled with a sense of new life when we walked into the steakhouse. Every time I go out and see the Moses Lake community, I truly feel loved because they're so verbal with the military and outgoing." Senior Airmen Jessica B. Craig, 92nd Force Support Squadron force management journeyman, who was one out of the nine Airmen who attended the luncheon, says the luncheon overall was great and a success. "It was a great experience and was nice being amongst a crowd of people who appreciates our line of work or who has been in our shoes by fulfilling their own duties to our country," said Senior Airman Craig. "I really enjoyed the luncheon as well as the people." The community also raised $271 for Operation Warm Heart, which is a fund that is managed by first sergeants to help their troops when they are in need during the holidays. "I came here in 1954 when I was 7 years- old, so I know a thing or two about the history of Moses Lake," said retired civilian, Mrs. Connie Joe, who also graduated MLHS in 1965. "We haven't had the Air Force here in almost 45 years, so we are just honored to have these special troops back here even if it's only temporarily."