Project Cheer Published Jan. 5, 2011 By YoLanda Wallace 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- During the holiday season, the Keesler First Sergeants Council's Project Cheer program raised more than $10,000 and assisted 130 Airmen and their families with commissary vouchers. The goal of the program, now in its seventh year, is to relieve stress of Airmen in need during the holidays. The 2010 ran from Nov. 26 through Dec. 20. Commissary vouchers were distributed to all Airmen whose names were submitted to be part of Project Cheer, according to Master Sgt. Kevin Scharwarth, 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant, one of the Project Cheer organizers. "It's a very easy way to help our Airmen, whether single parents or others struggling with financial hardships," said Sergeant Scharwarth. "I remember being an Airman and needing programs like this," Sergeant Scharwarth recalled. "They allowed me and my family to breathe, especially at Christmas time. The holidays are about helping those in need -- what better way than to help those who could use some holiday cheer." Project Cheer donations came from bell-ringer volunteers, the chapel's Catholic and Protestant parish councils and the Keesler Spouses Club.