Air National Guard Airmen Give Back Across Connecticut

EAST GRANBY, CT — Members of the 103d Airlift Wing are making a difference across Connecticut not only through their military mission, but through extensive volunteer work that supports families, hospitals, and community organizations statewide.

The Flying Yankees say service does not stop at the flight line. In recent months, Airmen assigned to the wing have quietly given their time and resources to causes ranging from blood donation drives and food pantries to toy collections and addiction-recovery events, often without seeking recognition.

Among the efforts highlighted by the wing, Tech. Sgt. Justin Labrecque organized a blood drive last August that resulted in four gallons of donated blood, enough to help an estimated 66 people. Master Sgt. Bryce Meyers has raised more than $65,000 for the FDNY 9/11 Foundation by organizing eight golf tournaments, while also coordinating blood donation sites across Connecticut and GED completion programs.

Maj. Maria Duguay leads an annual toy drive benefiting Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The 2025 drive marked its 10th year and raised more than $1,000 in toys and monetary donations. Master Sgt. Dan Meskell and his wife also supported the hospital in December by collecting hundreds of toys through their Heroes & Helpers toy drive.

Tech. Sgt. Alexis Maher runs an annual fall food pantry drive to support families in need during the holiday season. Selva Cabrera of the Family Support Center played a key role in building a wing food pantry during last fall’s shutdown, helping ensure Airmen and their families had access to essential food and supplies.

Chief Master Sgt. Jessica Roy has participated in the March of Dimes “March for Babies” event at Rentschler Field for more than 13 years, typically raising about $5,000 each year with her team. Master Sgt. Ashlynn Stone has assisted with the Outrun Addiction 5K since 2018, an event that has donated more than $86,000 to local addiction-awareness organizations.

Master Sgt. Nicola Nardi has supported the “Cans for Kids” fundraiser since 2015, helping raise about $8,000 for Connecticut Children’s support foundation. More recently, Airman First Class Jeremy Minalga led a communications team during a Habitat for Humanity build in December alongside several other members of the wing.

Wing officials said these efforts reflect the values of the Flying Yankees and their ongoing commitment to the communities they serve, emphasizing that public service takes many forms both in and out of uniform.