Fighter squadron finds opportunities to serve Published Dec. 27, 2011 By Capt. Jessica Martin 926th Group public affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 706th Fighter Squadron spent Friday night giving back to the local community. The unit held its holiday party downtown at Three Square this year and members brought canned food and monetary donations to the organization. "After receiving a tour of the facility and seeing all of the volunteers working in the kitchen, we wanted to be a part of it," said Tech. Sergeant Monique Farris, 706th FS unit training manager. "It's the holiday season, people are in need, and we wanted to give back." Squadron members enjoyed a catered banquet dinner, with all the proceeds from the event going back to the food bank. Three Square collects and distributes food items to non-profit and faith based organizations serving those in need in the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding communities. It also facilitates childhood and senior nutrition programs as well as supplemental nutrition assistance outreach and advocacy efforts. The 706th FS found out about the opportunity to have a group dinner there through one of its members who has been volunteering at Three Square since 2009. Master Sgt. Aisha Merritt, 706th FS command support staff assistant section chief, spends her free time sorting food donations from companies to make sure they are not damaged or expired before they are given to those in need. "I used to work at a group home in California and we benefitted from a place similar to Three Square," said Merritt. "I think the worst thing in the world is for someone to be hungry." The 706th FS was able to donate 80 pounds of food and more than $400. For every dollar donated, Three Square is able to provide three full-sized meals. Three Square can also use paper and cleaning products, baby products, personal hygiene items, and non-perishable foods such as breads, cereals, dairy items and meat products. The squadron plans to continue its volunteerism by finding more opportunities at Three Square to participate in throughout the next year. (Information collected from www.threequare.org.)