Reservists help kick off season during annual project

  • Published
  • By By Tech. Sgt. Barbara Plante
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" tumbling out of the speakers, people dancing in the aisles, sparkling eyes and lots of smiles was the setting at the American Italian Club in Phoenix on Dec. 2 as the holiday season kick off for about 200 clients of the Valley of the Sun Habilitation School.

The wing has been participating with this humanitarian project for more than 20 years. The unit became involved with the school back when the 944th FW was still the 302nd Special Operations Squadron.

This year, 13 members of the 944th FW volunteered to share their time helping to spark the holiday excitement.

Members of the school were greeted by Santa and military members, treated to lunch, goody bags, cookies and merriment.

"I wanted the experience to help people less fortunate than myself," said 2nd Lt. Derrick Young, 944th Fighter Wing military equal opportunity, who was participating for the first time this year.

In 1951, Mrs. Kussell founded Valley of the Sun School, which later became Valley of the Sun School and Habilitation Center.

Operating as a non-profit and private organization, Valley of the Sun School was one of the first of its kind in Arizona. Today, they provide services to adults with developmental disabilities whose primary disability is mental retardation. Additionally, the vocational services department serves people with serious mental illness, physical disabilities, hearing impairments, and traumatic brain injuries.

"On any given day, we serve more than 400 individuals in our program areas," said Juanita Shaver, Program Director of Residential Services. "Our clients come from diverse backgrounds with disabilities ranging from mild to severe and range in age from 14 to 88."

According to Ms. Shaver, about 100 clients live at the school with the rest living in group homes around the valley.

"This event kicks off the holiday season for them," she said. "Some of them only come because they know members from Luke AFB will be here."

For one unit member, volunteering for this program helps bring a different meaning to the holidays.

"I wish every unit member would participate in this event," said Tech. Sgt. Jeff Fine, 944th FW historian and volunteer for the last several years. "Taking the time to help them celebrate really makes the entire season much more enjoyable."