Dark Knights help children with school supplies Published Sept. 2, 2010 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Equipping a child with classroom supplies for a new school year can be an expensive proposition. So what happens if a parent is already having financial difficulties -- what do they do? Airman 1st Class Tessie Lessman, a radio frequency transmission student in the 338th Training Squadron, recognized the problem and spearheaded a project drive that collected $3,000 worth of school supplies for needy children in the Biloxi School System. Airman Lessman, an Illinois Air National Guard member, has a sixth grader and a preschooler of her own back home. She was spurred to action when her military training leader, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Wilson, encouraged students to make a difference in the local community. "I always preach to our nonprior service Airmen about giving back to the community and leaving a footprint while they're here," Sergeant Wilson remarked. "I come from a small town of about 700 people," said Airman Lessman, who arrived at Keesler March 22 and graduates Sept. 29. "Back home, I work with a group of parents that go out and buy coats, hats and gloves when they're on sale for children who need them. "Parts of Biloxi are still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, and now the gulf oil spill, not to mention the challenges of the current economy," she explained. "I know a lot of parents must be struggling to provide the essentials for their children." Airman Lessman rallied the support of her fellow classmates and the T-shift instructors in Jones Hall to bring in school supplies. The group even raised $715 when students were given the opportunity to contribute $3 for the cause and be released after formation one Sunday, instead of participating in the regular "GI party" cleaning effort. "One student gave $40 because he didn't have a car to go shopping," Airman Lessman reported. "He said he came from a family that would have appreciated what we were trying to do." The students took the money to a nearby store to buy school supplies and the store manager contributed $100 when she learned about the project. "The cashier started crying when we told her what we were doing," Airman Lessman said. "She had three children of her own and she knew how much it would mean to parents who are having financial struggles." Airman Lessman and her teammates delivered the supplies to Dr. David Spinks, director of student services for the Biloxi School System. The system's administrative staff sent the supplies to schools where they were needed. "This was a huge team effort," Airman Lessman emphasized. "We just wanted to help the kids -- they can't help their situations." "I am amazed when student Airmen are able to find the time to step up, volunteer and give back to the community," said Lt. Col. Daniel Gottrich, 338th TRS commander. "I'm extremely proud of what Airman Lessman and her cohorts have accomplished in such a short time, along with their night shift instructors who participated. "I first met Airman Lessman when she volunteered to watch over a group of more than a dozen children at the dorms while their moms attended one of our quarterly student spouse orientations," he recalled. "Rather than sitting in the corner and throwing crackers at the kids, she engaged each and every one of them with crafts and toys." "Airman Lessman epitomizes 'service before self,' and this project will be her legacy at Keesler," the colonel added. "I'm hoping it's a project we can continue each and every semester."