MOSC to donate 30K to base community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Misawa Officers' Spouses' Club, a non-profit group serving the base community, will continue its charitable mission by donating raised funds for the benefit of others.

A percentage of the proceeds from the MOSC-sponsored 2010 Far East Bazaar fundraiser, allowed them to fund a quality-of-life campaign, now until Nov. 19.

"We have a little over $30,000 dollars," said Laura Breau, MOSC president. "Instead of giving it away in little chunks, we would really like to give it back into the community as quickly and in as large amounts as possible."

Base organizations interested in submitting a MOSC welfare request are preferred to apply for at least $3,000 and can fill out a form on their Web site, www.misawaosc.org.

"We are looking at requests that will positively impact the quality of life for recipients over a long term," Mrs. Breau said. "We want to provide organizations a way to make lasting tangible improvements and additions to the community."

Misawa's OSC is comprised the spouses of service members from the Air Force, Navy and Army's officer corps and officer equivalent civil servants. Their goal is to promote morale and foster interest among members in education and charitable activities on base.

Because the OSC is not an official military organization, they have the flexibility to assist a variety of community members.

"We can give welfare funds to all kinds of organizations ... Air Force, Navy, Army, civilian, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, Department of Defense schools, and booster clubs for squadrons and groups," said Mrs. Breau. "Any organization can submit a request."

The OSC does not give welfare funds to individuals or cover travel expenses. However, dependants, such as Edgren High School's senior students and military spouses and can request OSC scholarship funds in the spring to enrich and pursue education, said Mrs. Breau.

After their campaign ends and the money is distributed in December, the OSC can continue to grant funds to base organizations year round. In addition to the annual bazaar fundraiser, approximately $3,000 to $5,500 is generated each month from a percentage of the base's thrift store profits, where at least half of the store keepers are OSC volunteers.

OSC member, Yachen Choi said she originally joined the spouse's group for a social network, and through this network she began spending her time as a thrift store liaison for the OSC.

"It's been good seeing how we have been able to provide cheaper alternatives to the community for items they need such as warm clothing and kitchenware," said Mrs. Choi.

Giving back to base community is also why thrift store manager, Julia Bancroft has been volunteering at military thrift stores and other base's OSCs for years.

The spouse's group doesn't limit its commitment of serving the community to the confines of the base gate. Giving to Misawa civilian charities is also a priority.

A man from a Morioka, Japan orphanage comes to collect items that can not fit or be sold at the thrift store and brings them back for the children, said Mrs. Bancroft.

"In the past, we have also given to the military retirement community Air Force Village and the Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, where some Misawa base residents go for serious medical emergencies," she added.

Regardless the amount of money raised, or its source, the OCS continues to serve, and their president couldn't be prouder.

"The women and men of MOSC are continually stepping up and devoting time to make the lives of those around them better," Mrs. Breau said. "I see all types of people represented ... encouragers, hard workers, volunteers, people wanting to have fun, make new friends and make Misawa their home. They thrive from making the lives of those around them better."