Military, Trail Blazers team up to support Oregon Food Bank

  • Published
  • By Capt. Angela Walz
  • 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
PORTLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ore. --  Twenty-six military members from across Oregon and Washington teamed up with the Portland Trail Blazers to pack food boxes in support of the Oregon Food Bank today at the Food Bank's west-side location in Beaverton, Oregon.

"We're committed to making our community a better place, and we're proud to partner with the Trail Blazers to do so," said Col. Richard W. Wedan, 142nd Fighter Wing Commander. "Teaming up to support the Oregon Food Bank is a win-win for everyone," he said.

Blazer team members, managers and coaches, as well as Guardsmen from the 142nd Fighter Wing and Joint Force Headquarters in Salem, Oregon, joined other local military members from the Coast Guard and airmen and soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to sort and repack food that will be sent out to families in need across the Food Bank's statewide network.

"It's exciting to be part of something bigger today," said Christa Thoeresz, senior director of social responsibility for the Portland Trail Blazers. "Our commitment to service projects is one of the many NBA Cares projects throughout the league where players are teaming up with the military to give back to the community," she said.

At the completion of their volunteer shift, Trail Blazer players were on hand to sign autographs and take photos with the military members.

For more information about the mission of the Portland Air National Guard base, visit the 142nd Fighter Wing site at www.142fw.ang.af.mil.

For more information about the Portland Trail Blazers and their community involvement, visit their Web site at www.nba.com/blazers/make-it-better. To volunteer or donate to the Oregon Food Bank, go to www.oregonfoodbank.org/.