15 One Airman deployed to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing found a way to reach families, especially children who are back home, waiting patiently for mom or dad to return from the Middle East.
As Maj. Brian Watson, a medical administration officer, prepared for his six-month absence from his wife and three kids he carefully packed an item for the six-thousand mile trip. In April for the Month of the Military Child he introduced Chauncey to the wing, a puppet he made in his garage.
Chauncey, who bears a striking resemblance to Kermit the Frog, visited with Master Sgt. Ryan Dickelman, a first sergeant deployed to the wing, about what he does here and how his family copes with his absence.
Pam Steele carries in a box of coats from her van to The Giving Place on Wednesday. Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
There are a lot of caring people who populate the Tolono area. Pam Steele can vouch for that.
The Tolono resident has collected food items for the past several years for the less fortunate. She has asked that people who wish to donate put items in totes that she keeps on her front porch. Steele then takes the non-perishable food to The Giving Place in Tolono that is operated by the townâs United Methodist Church.
The Giving Place serves the Unit 7 school district, which includes Tolono, Sadorus, Philo, Sidney and Pesotum. But it is only open from 4-6 p.m. Wednesdays, so Steele felt she would help by having her house serve as a collection point.