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Team McGuire members assist co-worker in need

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt Dwayne Gordon
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  When sudden tragedy struck a Team McGuire member, he was overwhelmed with the support he received from his fellow squadron members and local organizations.

David Danser, 305th Civil Engineer Squadron metal fabrication specialist, was hit with some shocking news Feb. 2, when he found out his house was on fire. 

"I received a call on my cell phone while I was out on a job. Once I heard my wife's voice, the panic hit me. All she kept saying was, 'the house is on fire,'" Mr. Danser said. "I immediately stopped what I was working on, got to my car and got home as fast as I could." 

When Mr. Danser reached his home in Mt. Holly, there wasn't much he could do. The fire department was already at the scene, fighting the blaze. 

"I was relieved when I saw my wife and the children she was baby-sitting were alright," Mr. Danser said. 

The fire, which caused $65,000 worth of damage, was started by his 3-year-old grandson who was playing with matches. 

Mr. Danser and his family were able to stay with relatives for a few weeks, then through the help of base members and local organizations, he and his family moved into an apartment until their house is renovated. 

The news of the fire spread throughout the squadron the next day. "We heard about the fire at squadron PT the next morning. The word got out quickly," said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Yensel, 305 CES structures technician. "I had a surplus of old pillows, sheets and blankets that I cleaned and was able to provide to him. I also gave him some cash; we all need that in times of trouble," he added. 

Sergeant Yensel wasn't the only person to help Mr. Danser. 

Squadron members united to assist any way they could. 

"I was overwhelmed with emotion when my supervisor presented me with $900 cash, that was donated by squadron members, in an envelope a few days after the fire. Gift cards and more money were given a couple days after that. I couldn't believe it," said Mr. Danser. 

Mr. Danser and his family were unaware of the avenues that are available to help people. However, they quickly learned whom and what organizations would help. 

The fire inspector informed the Red Cross about the fire. The Red Cross then supplied Mr. Danser and his family with a pre-paid credit card to purchase clothes and miscellaneous items. 

"When we were out using the credit card, the store gave us a percentage off of everything in our cart. The blessings just kept coming," he stated. 

Through selfless acts of generosity and kindness, McGuire members and base organizations were able to ease the burden on a fellow team member and his family. 

"The Airmen's Attic was also a tremendous help. They provided us with a lot of household items,” stated Mr. Danser. 

People involved in serious incidents, like a house fire, should know there are base, local organizations and stores willing to help. 

"Without the help from Lt. Col. Ouellette, 305 CES commander, Master Sgt. Tony Whiting and all the other 305 CES members, the Airmen's Attic, and other organizations, I'm not sure how my family and I would have gotten through this," said Mr. Danser. "We thank all of you."