News>Deployed Airmen replace money stolen from little girls in Georgia
Photos
Tech. Sgt. Ladell Moss collects money from Capt. Charles Marquez April 14, 2011, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Both Airmen are assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sheila deVera)
Members from the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron and 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron collected monetary donations to replace money stolen from three girls in Georgia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sheila deVera)
by Senior Airman Sheila deVera
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
4/19/2011 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron here collected $160 April 14 to replace money stolen from three girls in Warner Robins, Ga.
Capt. Charles Marquez, the 455th EAPS Air Terminal Operation Center officer in charge, read an article about how the girls setup a lemonade stand to raise money for one of the girl's ill cousin. The article went on to say, while trying to raise money for the medical expenses, a male and female stole the money from the stand.
Moved by the story, the captain printed the article and distributed it to his co-workers.
"Everybody in the section, without having any second thoughts, started donating money," Captain Marquez said.
With help from Tech. Sgt. Ladell Moss, a 455th EAPS assistant duty officer, Captain Marquez was able to raise the amount stolen from the girls within 24 hours.
"After the captain read the article to me, I felt angry at the people for doing this to the little girls who were just trying to do something good," Sergeant Moss said.
As they went around the section collecting donations, they found the story touched a lot of hearts, and the Airmen did not hesitate to contribute to the cause.
"As a mother of three, the article broke my heart," said Cynthia Bland, a 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron movement control specialist. "I just want them to know that not everyone is bad and not everybody is going to take from you."
As Captain Marquez prepared to wire the money, his office prepared two flags to be flown over Afghanistan, one for the ill cousin and one for the girls and a special message.
"Not everyone in this world is bad," explained Sergeant Moss. "There are good people out there that will help you out, even if you are a complete stranger."
Comments
5/16/2011 2:17:36 PM ET They were caught and are having to deal with the local DA.
Marcus, Robins AFB
4/20/2011 10:25:56 AM ET I hope the Georgia law enforcement catch them. I wish I was in your office. I would have dumped my cash into your collection jar for them
TSgt R.A.B., Bagram AF Afghanistan
4/20/2011 9:20:35 AM ET It is awesome to see that there truly are good guys left in this world. There is integrity/service before self/and excellence in all that we do. Kudos to the 455th.
Keith Disinger, NAS Pensacola
4/20/2011 8:48:44 AM ET I love this article
angela, MO
4/20/2011 3:55:31 AM ET I want to say that I know of these people and work with them. And I can say all of them are true to their word. This is true that not everyone in our chaotic world. There are good and bad people and things. Continue to be positive and compassionate to others because it makes others do the same. If you smile to people they will smile back. If you have respect and compassion to others they will in return share the same to you and others. Keep those beautiful smiles bright.
