300th AS lends helping hand to those in need Published Feb. 24, 2006 By Capt. Brennan McDonald 300th Airlift Squadron CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. -- Jeff Heckman and his wife, Tracy, have two daughters – Ashley, 14, who suffers from epilepsy, and Krista, 10. Shortly after their move from Milwaukee, Wis., to South Carolina, Jeff was diagnosed with kidney failure and diabetes. After the diagnosis he lost his job and subsequently his health insurance. With the burden of medical expenses and no job, the family began falling behind on their bills and mortgage payments, with a looming threat of losing their home during the holidays. This is when the 300th Airlift Squadron stepped in to help. Hearing about the family’s plight from a unit member’s wife who works at Department of Health and Environmental Control, the 300th decided to lend a helping hand. Under the direction of Lt. Col. Doug Hetzel and Tim Potter, an initial goal of $1,500 was set to help pay the bills and give the children a Christmas they deserved. Due to the overwhelming generosity of the 300th members, $3,546.50 was collected in just two weeks. On Christmas Eve, the Heckmans accepted with the gift with tears and happiness. The family, being extremely grateful, came to the squadron in person to thank everyone for their wonderful selflessness. During their visit to the base, the unit’s kindness continued, as the first sergeant, Senior Master Sgt. Terry Grant, gave the Heckmans a tour of a C-17. It is stories like this that make me believe the reservists of the 315th AW and the 300th AS are outstanding individuals.