Book inspires resident to help airmen

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE — It is a truth universally acknowledged that the 61 days between Halloween and New Years are to be filled with unnecessary weight gain, rousing renditions of 'Jingle Bell Rock' and awkward eggnog-induced encounters. Much to the dismay of Santa Claus, Charlie Brown and Cindy Lou Who, many service members miss out on the family-fraught chaos that denotes the holiday season — a dilemma that led one Clovis native to take action.

Buried within the crisp, white pages of a Karen Kingsbury novel, Esther Steinle found the motivation to launch the Angel Arms program, a nonprofit organization whose sole aim is to send single Airmen home for the holidays.

"Cannon has been a presence in the community for as long as I can remember," Steinle said. "There are no words to express the appreciation I have for the brave men and women who fight for our freedom every day. When I read about another community doing something to show their gratitude it touched my heart."

Though inspiration struck late in the year, Steinle wasted no time setting her plan in motion. Working in conjunction with 27th Special Operations Wing leadership, Steinle's innovative program was able to make an impact in the life of one deserving Air Commando last year.

"Angel Arms started in November 2011 and was able to send an Airman home for the holidays," said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Henderson, 27 SOW command chief. "Through Esther Steinle's leadership, the program has grown extensively since then."

Long after twinkling lights were packed away, snowmen melted and the New Year commenced, Steinle continued her selfless crusade. In addition to word-of-mouth, she promoted her program by appearing on local radio shows and posting flyers in high-traffic areas.

As a result, one year after the program's inception, Angel Arms is preparing to purchase and disseminate more than a dozen plane tickets to Air Commandos at Cannon Air Force Base.

"I have been overwhelmed by the response I received from members of the local community," Steinle said. "To date, 30 businesses and individuals have donated to the cause and the contributions continue to roll in."

Airmen in the ranks of E-4 and below may be nominated to participate in the Angel Arms program by their respective first sergeants. This year, the program is slated to send Airmen to locations across the country including North Carolina, California, New Jersey, Texas and Hawaii.

"Our Airmen perform exceptionally well within a demanding and stressful operational tempo," Henderson said. "For a young Airman, holidays away from home can be tough. Angel Arms allows them to relax with family and return ready to press on with our important mission."

In her attempts to bridge the gap between service members and their loved ones during the "most wonderful time of the year", Steinle has not only raised the collective morale of Air Commandos, but strengthened the ties between Airmen stationed at Cannon and members of the local community.

"This outpouring of support just strengthens what we already know - Cannon is part of the community and the community appreciates our Airmen," Henderson said. "In turn, we appreciate the support and are proud to serve and partner within the local community."

At the end of the day, nothing motivates Steinle to continue her work like the satisfaction

of reuniting a family apart.

"I am so glad I followed God's nudging to initiate Angel Arms," she said. "It is a true gift to have your son or daughter with you during the holidays and many of us take that luxury for granted. It may seem like we're sending a lot of Airmen home, but there are still more names on the waiting list. Angel Arms will continue to grow each year!"

Fast facts

For more information on Angel Arms, contact Steinle at 575-799-6348.