Cowley College, Community Rally to Support Military Families at McConnell

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Cowley College joined forces with community volunteers and donors to show appreciation for active-duty service members, their families and civilian workers at McConnell Air Force Base through a special meal service event.

The college partnered with local organizations to provide thousands of meals to military personnel and Department of Defense civilians, while also contributing $8,000 in gas cards with an additional $10,000 on the way.

Cowley College donated funds and secured pictured items to help make the event possible, covering food, supplies and prepaid gas cards distributed to folks on base. Volunteers dedicated their day to preparing, cooking and serving meals as a gesture of gratitude for those who serve.

"It was an honor to be part of a community that comes together to support those who serve!" the college stated in a social media post about the event.

The initiative, organized under the hashtag #MilitaryAppreciation, brought together multiple community partners and sponsors. Volunteers wore matching "VOLUNTEER" shirts as they served meals to service members throughout the day.

SE Mow It Forward, one of the participating organizations, reported providing meals and gas cards to veterans, families and DOD civilians through the collaborative effort.

"WOW! What a first event! We served thousands of meals to active-duty, veterans, families and DOD civilians," SE Mow It Forward posted. "We also provided $8,000 in gas cards with around another $10,000 on the way."

The organization praised the volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the event's success, noting special appreciation for those involved in planning and preparation.

McConnell Air Force Base, located in Wichita, is home to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing and serves as a vital military installation in south-central Kansas.