Operation Open Arms

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Operation Open Arms provides deploying members of Team Saber bags of snacks before they leave Spangdahlem Air Base. Keyra Elmo, the director of OOA, has given out thousands of bags since she took over the program in 2007. The program began in 2006 and hands out over 10,000 packages a year. “It can get overwhelming,” said Keyra Elmo. “We rely on the community to help us when the time comes to hand them out.” OOA is supported by several organizations, but is always in need of volunteers. “In February I was getting up at 3 a.m. to meet the deployers at the terminal just to let them know that we here at Spangdahlem AB are thinking of them and wishing them the best of luck,” said Mrs. Elmo. “Every time I go, I know that my contribution is making a difference for these Airmen. That is my motivation every day.” To help with OOA contact the American Red Cross office at DSN 452-9440. ( U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathanael Callon )