Mission of love Published Feb. 11, 2011 By Senior Airman Megan Tomkins 910 AW/PA YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The 76th Aerial Port Squadron (APS) kicked off this holiday season with the spirit of service. Servicemembers worked alongside the Mission of Love Foundation to build pallets stacked with medical supplies, school supplies and food that were delivered to Honduras Dec. 17, 2010. The Mission of Love Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established in 1989 by Youngstown native Kathleen Price, founder and director. She said got the idea for the foundation after a visit to Mexico where she saw how in need the residents were. "I wanted to give the basic rights to those in need with things we literally throw away," Price said. Servicemembers assigned to the 76th APS displayed their holiday spirit as they packed their make-shift sleighs [pallets] with clothing and shoes, construction materials and tools, weaving looms, 40 school desks, 18 computers, two cafeteria tables, corn, medical equipment and one van. The only thing that was missing was a partridge in a pear tree. Senior Airman Kayla Wirick, cargo processor with the 76th APS, said she enjoyed building the pallets. "It's nice to not do a mission that has to do with deployment," said Airman Wirick. "We don't get to do this often and it's nice to help other people." Staff Sgt. Mark Wolfgang, 76th APS air transportation craftsman, said he found this mission beneficial to not only those receiving the supplies, but also those participating in building the pallets and delivering them. "I'm glad we're helping the kids," said Sergeant Wolfgang. "It's a great chance for prior service and newcomers to experience building pallets for real-world missions." Price said she is also grateful that she has the opportunity to work with the servicemembers within her local community. "Working hand in hand with the 910th; we are building that compassion and the humanitarian airlift," Price said. "I can't do this by myself. My heart sings when I come here and see all this here in my hometown." For more information, check out the Mission of Love Foundation website: http://www.missionoflove.org.