76th APS Airmen prepare cargo for Guatemala Published Nov. 6, 2012 By TSgt. Valerie Smock 910AW/PA YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The 76th Aerial Port Squadron (APS) kicked of the season of giving by helping give back to those in need. Airmen, working hand-in-hand with Mission of Love Foundation, built pallets of cargo during the November Unit Training Assembly here, scheduled to be delivered to Guatemala the first week in December. Mission of Love Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established in 1989 by founder, director and Youngstown local Kathleen Price. The idea for the foundation came after she visited Mexico and saw how much need there was. This time around, the need is in Guatemala. Some of the items to be delivered include chairs, desks and tables, as well as clothing, school and medical supplies, and dental equipment. Nearly everything was packed up, including the kitchen sink. "I think it's awesome," said Airman 1st Class Brittny Frazzini, cargo specialist with 76th APS. "It's a good way for us to help out other people." Technical Sgt. Richard Stirzaker, cargo specialist with 76th APS, said the mission is two-fold; building pallets to ship to a country in need is not only for a good cause, but is also a great training opportunity. Even though not every person at YARS had their hands in the mission, it's still a wing-wide event. There are many people who were part of the process, including maintenance, airfield management and many other offices. "It gives people the opportunity to participate," said Master Sgt. Kevin Massie, superintendent and senior Air Reserve Technician with 76th APS. "We are using this opportunity in conjunction with people that need vehicle recertification, skill-level training, everything. It does benefit us." The real benefit goes to the hands of the countries getting the help they need. APS has helped people in need on a number of occasions. The unit completed seven humanitarian missions between 2011 and 2012 in conjunction with two organizations including Mission of Love Foundation and MedWish International. MedWish International is a not-for-profit organization committed to repurposing medical supplies and equipment with the objective of providing humanitarian aid in developing countries. "At first it was about getting to know what the organization was all about," said Massie. "Now, I get it. It's for a good cause. When you say you move thousands of pounds of cargo, it gives you purpose." Information on Mission of Love Foundation can be found at http://www.missionoflove.org.