AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – This summer, Greenwood Chevrolet employees participated in R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Fridays, wearing red each week and making weekly donations to recognize and support military members.
On Tuesday, Greenwood Chevrolet presented an $8,370 donation to Youngstown Air Reserve Station airmen and their families.
Wanting the money raised to stay local, Greenwood Chevrolet reached out to the 910th Airlift Wing at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station to find a program that could directly benefit local airmen and their families, a news release states. That connection led to Senior Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr., president of the YARS Airmen’s Fund Committee and superintendent and community/legislative/media engagement section chief for the 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office.
“This really came from our employees,” said Samantha Bianco of Greenwood Chevrolet. “They chose to participate each week throughout the summer, wear red and donate their own money to show their appreciation for those serving our country. It also means a lot that we’re able to keep the funds local and directly support members of the 910th Airlift Wing community.”
The campaign ran from June 1 to Aug. 31, with employees donating $5 per week or $20 per month. Because of scheduling, Greenwood Chevrolet shifted its red day to Thursday to ensure its full staff had the opportunity to participate. Employees raised $5,580. A matching donor contributed an additional $2,790, bringing the total donation to $8,370.
The YARS Airmen’s Fund Committee works directly with the 910th’s Military and Family Readiness Office and Sustainment Service teams to support morale, welfare, fellowship activities, events and other needs for members of the 910th Airlift Wing community and their families, including airmen currently deployed overseas.
Pictured at top: From left are Senior Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr.; Sean Greenwood of Greenwood Chevrolet; and Kevin Levin and Dale Novello of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station.