Ind. Unit's Meal Distribution Total Nears 180,000

Maj. Bill Vendramin
Public Affairs Officer
Indiana Wing

The Indiana Wing’s Fort Wayne Composite Squadron has distributed 179,250 meals in 76 days of volunteer service as of June 22.

Since being activated April 24 to help out local food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fort Wayne squadron has assisted Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, which works with nearly 400 partner agencies, or food pantries, to deliver food and make it available via direct service programs.

“During the COVID-19 crisis, so many people have given generously their time, talent, and treasure to fight hunger,” said Carmen Cumberland, Community Harvest executive president. “This Civil Air Patrol squadron has truly shown dedication and kindness to vulnerable members of the community. We can’t thank them enough for their selfless service.”

The squadron sorted 18,000 pounds of reclaimed goods on its first day. Since then, members have helped give out 17,925 meals per day to area residents via a drive-through process, with each vehicle receiving from nine to 12 meals.

“The Fort Wayne Composite Squadron has served this community for many years,” said Capt. Anthony Vining, squadron officer-in-charge for the mission. “Whether it is finding a missing child, an airplane, assisting with flood control or now assisting those in need by our work at the Community Harvest Food Bank, we have once again proven to Fort Wayne that we are here for them.”

Nationwide, Civil Air Patrol has provided approximately 20,000 days of volunteer service, distributing over 4.8 million meals, 1.6 million masks and 265 blood units while providing other services as well.

As a Total Force partner and the Air Force auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol is aligned with First Air Force to rapidly respond to non-military threats domestically. In this situation members worked as a component of the Air Force in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity.