Cookie Bus boosts Dyess Airmen's morale during ORI

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. A.C. Eggman
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Dyess First Sergeants and Chaplains were out during the week to put smiles on the faces of Dyess Airmen Jan. 5-7 as they toiled day and night in freezing temperatures during the Operational Readiness Inspection. 

Known as the "Cookie Bus," the white step van ran from facility to facility during late evening and early morning to provide Airmen a morale boost. 

"People are our job, that is what we do," said Master Sgt. Ryan Howe, 7th Maintenance Operations Squadron first sergeant. "They're out here freezing, cold ... it's the least we can do - to come around with a little bit of hot coco and some cookies to try and brighten up day and war them up while they're out here doing the mission." 

Dyess has been delivering cookies and beverages for many years, but when the "bus" broke down, the big morale project came to halt a few years ago. This year, the 7th Bomb Wing command chief asked the first sergeants to revive the project. 

"It's an opportunity for the chaplains and first sergeants to go out and meet the Airmen on the flightline and other areas servicing the aircraft, give them a hot beverage and cookies, with a little bit of cheer while they are out there in the elements," said Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Daniel, 7th Bomb Wing chaplain. Air Force chaplains often go out on visitations to meet with the Airmen, he said. "We enjoy doing it." 

Through donations from Airmen and family members, the Cookie Bus was able to delivered 70 dozen cookies and hot coco to Airmen across the base. 

In addition to the sweet treats, the chaplains and the first sergeants offered encouragment and motiviating words to the Airmen. 

"It makes me feeel a lot better that people took time to make the cookies and hot chocolate, and bring it to us while we're all working," said Airman 1st Class Chrstina Rivera, 7th MOS information manager. "I was surprised." 

She said it was the first time the Cookie Bus came to her facility while she was on duty and it was a great morale booster for her and her co-workers. 

Other Airmen agreed it was great for morale and the Cookie Bus was a welcomed sight.
"I wasn't expecting it," said Senior Airman Matthew Heeter, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft generation journeyman. "This is great, especially staying late to finish up some details. The other Airmen (here) have a great reaction to the cookies and coco. It is always appreciated."