Wing's Airman/NCO Council makes every penny count Published April 15, 2014 By Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Stahl 178th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- The 178th Fighter Wing Airman/NCO Council raised approximately $860 through a Lucky Penny Drive and other fund raising activities at the Springfield Air National Guard Base, Ohio during the month of March. The primary purpose of the fund raisers was to raise money for the council to fund community volunteer events like the Ronald McDonald's House "Hot Meals" program. "We decided to take action and start raising funds so that we could purchase food and serve to the families at Cincinnati Children's Hospital April 27," said Tech Sgt. Kelly Tussey, council vice president. "Though we have quite a few members of the council, it's almost impossible for just the council members to fund every single project we would like to do so we reached out to the base with this fundraiser." The council raised funds by placing money collection jars around base and individual unit fundraisers like chili cook-offs, burger burns and a slow cooker competition. The Fighter Wing Staff combined with the Mission Support Group raised the most funds and will choose a second local charity to split the funds with. "Once again I am amazed by the support we receive from everyone throughout our organization," said Tech Sgt. Elisabeth Gelhar, council president. "Without them we would not be able to do the community and base projects our council is passionate about."