Students support victims of sexual, domesic violence Published Sept. 9, 2010 By Susan Griggs 81 Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A community service project by recent graduates of the Mathies NCO Academy will provide comfort to victims of sexual assault and family violence. The 134 students in Class 10-6 collected about $2,700 in cash and donations to provide "comfort bags" to the Gulf Coast Women's Shelter for Nonviolence. "They collected more than $670 of the money bagging groceries in the pouring rain Aug. 28," said Chief Master Sgt. David Kendall, the academy's commandant. Each bag contains clothing, toiletries and other items that are taken to area emergency rooms where rape victims receive initial treatment. Items collected include tote bags and back packs, toiletries, T-shirts and sweat pants in different sizes, flip flops, underwear, notebooks, pens and personal care products. "Our office and the representatives from the women's center were overwhelmed by their generosity," said Barry Newman, program specialist with the sexual assault prevention and response office. "The students truly exemplified the core values of 'service before self' and proved their 'excellence in all they do' through this community service project."