SBIRS Family Supports Sunnyvale Community Services Mission to Help the Needy Published March 15, 2010 By Maj. Greg Stevens Space Base Infrared Systems Wing LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Feb. 23, SBIRS Space Squadron personnel, along with Lockheed Martin, Scitor and Aerospace Corporation employees, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and their friends and family members, filled 1,600 grocery bags of food for distribution to those in need in Sunnyvale, Calif. The SBIRS Operating Location, based in Sunnyvale, led the effort to lend a hand to this worthwhile local organization. Lockheed Martin Corporation has been a generous sponsor of the Sunnyvale Community Services (SCS) organization for many years, and Scitor Corporation has a history of partnership with SCS that stretches back more than 20 years. The Air Force personnel who supported the event included local team members as well as some visitors from Los Angeles AFB. SCS is open year round to serve the economically disadvantaged in Sunnyvale, including senior citizens, jobless, and homeless members of the community. SBIRS program volunteers were glad to be able to come in and work shoulder-to-shoulder to set up two 'production lines' to bag the groceries, tear down the boxes, sweep and clean the center, and organize the bags of food for easy access on food distribution day. "It's important that the team take a step away from the everyday challenges of the SBIRS program in order to collectively come together for a worthwhile cause like this. It really provides one with a new perspective when you realize the amount of individuals who are struggling to provide food, clothing, and shelter for themselves. It's a privilege to be able to help out," said Maj. Greg Stevens. "This is a blast," said Capt. Trevor Cook. Everyone pitched in to accomplish the work in record time, getting all the food bagged in under two hours, with great enthusiasm and camaraderie. "We usually need two groups to come in and bag these groceries, working two shifts to get this task done. However, we know that when this Air Force crew shows up, we can get this work done in one shift, and with time to spare. And everyone is so cheerful and helpful. Thank you for your hard work and support," said Marie Barlahan, volunteer coordinator at the center.