ALS provides fun day for group home residents Published Nov. 26, 2008 By Susan Griggs Keesler News staff KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- It's hard for people in secure family situations to understand what it's like growing up without a home. It's difficult for someone who enjoys a comfortable life to imagine children who never get an opportunity to take a road trip to visit a new place. The Airman Leadership School staff and students from Class 08-7 recently undertook a project dubbed Operation LUCK -- Leadership Uplifting Children at Keesler. The ALS team hosted a day of fun at marina park for about 90 children who live in group homes across the state, complete with a picnic, volleyball, karaoke, face painting and an inflatable bouncer. Keesler Medical Center provided an ambulance and the base fire department brought a fire truck for participants to explore. Base organizations and community partners provided food and supplies. In addition, ALS placed drop boxes around the base to collect nonperishable food, clothing, paper products and household items to support 10 children's homes that care for 350 to 400 children at any one time, ranging from infants to age 18. "We contacted group homes around the state, but only four homes were able to come to the event due to funding and transportation expenses,"said Staff Sgt. Crystal Hollars, an ALS instructor who spearheaded the project. "These kids, ranging in age from 6 to 15 years old, were placed in the homes because of abuse, neglect or other situations that made their home lives unsuitable. "One home made a five-hour trip to participate," she continued. "They were very excited because the kids had never seen the ocean or ever thought they'd set foot onto an Air Force base. "It was nice to see them come out and enjoy themselves, even it was just for a little while," remarked Senior Airman George Brooks, an ALS class member from the 81st Medical Support Squadron. He brought the Rock Band 2 video game for the children to play. "I know that with the situation most of these kids are in, they don't get the opportunity to play games like this, and some of them had never even seen an XBOX," Airman Brooks said. "It was awesome to get to share this with them -- they loved it. I felt bad when it was time to pack up and I had to tell them they couldn't play anymore. "It was an awesome experience, and I'd love to do it again," he added.