Travis outlines holiday donations policy Published Dec. 5, 2014 By Jim Spellman 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the holiday season upon us, many Americans are searching for ways to reach out to U.S. service members, both at home and especially those stationed overseas. Not surprisingly, the staff at David Grant USAF Medical Center and the 60th Air Mobility Wing's public affairs office receives a noticeable spike in calls from the general public. Many inquire about making visits to the base to visit with service members away from family. Some have generously offered to open their homes for a Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa meal. Many others have offered donations of gifts and items for wounded warriors who pass through DGMC's 60th Aeromedical Staging Facility. In previous years, some media outlets erroneously reported that wounded warriors were arriving at the ASF with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. As a result, these stories prompted huge outpourings of bathrobes, sweatshirts and pants, and dozens of other items from well-meaning members of the local community wanting them to be donated to service members. Unfortunately, federal law generally prohibits any service member from outright accepting any donations of money or items valued in excess of $20 from the general public. Additionally, limited space and storage constraints at DGMC could not possibly accommodate all donated gifts from a generous community. "Part of the challenge in our ASF is most transitioning troops arrive here and remain a short time with us, usually leaving the following morning," stated Capt. Alecia Doeman, 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron flight commander of the ASF at DGMC. "This makes it difficult to accommodate countless requests from the general public to 'meet and greet' or personally deliver donations to our wounded warriors." According to Doeman, DGMC has a very robust donation and visitation program in place from groups and organizations throughout the base and local community. These include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Blue Star Moms, and the American Red Cross. "These groups have supplied our war heroes with numerous donations ranging from gift certificates, care packages, clean socks and basic toiletries," said Doeman. "Our wounded warriors truly appreciate all the compassionate support they receive from the local community." "We're grateful for the outpouring of support shown by our local communities," added Col. (Dr.) Rawson Wood, 60th Medical Group commander. "At the same time we have to adhere to public laws which prevent military personnel from personally benefiting from the public's goodwill." Despite these constraints, several recognized charitable organizations are dedicated to supporting the military mission and military families. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it easy for any American to send their support with an Exchange gift card that service members can use for electronics, snacks or a good book. "These gift certificates and calling cards can be sent to an individual Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine as designated by the purchaser or distributed to 'any servicemember' through a number of charitable organizations," stated Judd Anstey, AAFES senior public relations manager. The Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House, Navy-Marine Relief Society and Warrior and Family Support Center are active charitable participants in AAFES' gift certificate and calling card program. While only authorized military shoppers can redeem Exchange gift cards, any American can send one by simply calling 800-527-2345 or logging on to www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking "Purchase Gift and Phone Cards" at the bottom of the page. "An Exchange gift card empowers troops to choose items that make their lives easier wherever they are called to serve," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange's senior enlisted advisor. "The needs of an Airman in Greenland are different from the Soldier in Afghanistan. An Exchange gift card allows troops to get exactly what they need to make the holidays brighter." Purchasing gift certificates or calling cards through AAFES also offers an advantage for military members: a portion of every sale at AAFES Exchange facilities like Travis Air Force Base go back into the military communities for base Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, facilities, non-appropriated fund construction projects and quality of life programs. SIDEBAR Although federal law generally does not permit the Air Force to solicit donations, organizations, individuals and local civic groups who want to make a community contribution can provide acceptable donations while staying within the legal limits of the law through the following avenues: For donations of general items: Any individual or organization can arrange for a donation of general items (thank you letters, toiletries, snacks, gift cards, etc.) by simply creating a letter in advance and address it to the following: 60th Aeromedical Staging Facility David Grant USAF Medical Center 101 Bodin Circle - Bldg. 777 Travis AFB, CA 94535-1809 For any donations greater than $20 in value: Checks for the purchases of desired items should be made payable to either the U.S. Treasury or David Grant USAF Medical Center and submitted to: Budget Office, Resource Management Office David Grant USAF Medical Center 101 Bodin Circle Travis AFB, CA 94535-1809 The individual, organization or company must provide a cover letter to the Resource Management Office stating that their check is to be specifically used by the ASF for such purposes if that is their intent After a monetary gift, check or donated item is specifically designated for the ASF, the individual, organization or group will receive a thank you letter signed by the current Medical Group commander. Any donations or monetary checks would then go into the Air Force Gift Fund for eventual redistribution back to the designated ASF for any needs of transitioning wounded service members.