When a person leaves home and enters the military, the changes can be overwhelming. What makes it harder, is when tragedy strikes and they're left feeling worlds apart from the people they need most -- family.

Fortunately, they soon realize that when they joined the service, they became part of a special family -- the military family; and, like a blood relative, when things go wrong, they're there to offer support and understanding.

Recently, Team Kelly had a chance to show first-hand what being part of the Air Force family is all about. Senior Airman Kevin Dulaney, 76th Logistics Group, arrived at Kelly Air Force Base, March 1, via a humanitarian assignment.

His wife, Anita, recently donated a portion of her liver to save their 6- month-old daughter, Abby. His wife developed complications and died, leaving two other children and Dulaney behind. Because of his recent reassignment, Dulaney was without friends or housing and a pile of bills that was impossible to pay. When news of Dulaney's tragedy circulated around the base, he was no longer alone.

Fundraising efforts began on main base Kelly through bake sales, T-shirt sales and direct donations. Airman First Class Lydia Nelson, Separations and Retirement specialist, 76th Mission Support Squadron, took charge of the initial fundraising events.

"The First Sergeant asked me to do the fundraising because he knew I had done it last year," she said. "I went to the hospital to meet Dulaney and let him know everything would be OK."

That was the first time Nelson had met Dulaney, but they have since become close friends. When asked how Dulaney responded to her at the hospital, Nelson said, "He looked very grateful."

Although Dulaney is not assigned to the Air Intelligence Agency, when something affects main Kelly, it affects "The Hill." Once AIA learned of Dulaney's situation, monetary donations started flooding in, along with offers of clothes and toys.

A collection point was designated in the AIA Print Plant customer service window. After just a week of collecting money, Senior Master Sgt. Duane Wilhite, Information Systems Group First Sergeant, deposited about $3,675 into an account opened at Security Service Federal Credit Union.

Wilhite said, "The people in the Visual Information Flight should get credit because they put this thing (fundraiser) together at least as far as ISG goes and maybe "The Hill."

Master Sgt. Paul Layne, 76th MSS First Sergeant, added, "The fundraiser far exceeded anything I ever expected. People took it upon themselves to network to other bases and communities." Calls have been received from as far away as Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, to as close as Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, which donated about $3,000.

Layne knew money needed to be raised and he knew exactly who to ask for help: Tech. Sgt. Amy Espinoza, Senior Airman JoElle Silney, Nelson and Airman First Class Felicia Williams, all from main Kelly.

When asked why he chose those four airmen, Layne stated, "There was a fundraiser last year and even though I wasn't in the squadron at the time, I remember them from doing that one. I knew they would give their all and go that extra mile."

A bake sale was planned and after eight bake sales, an estimated $4,000 was raised.

Layne said kudos should go to Wilhite, Jesse Martinez, Kelly's Family Support Center, and the individuals listed earlier because they have gone above and beyond their duty to help a fellow service member in a time of need.

"Those people had nothing to do with this and they still went out and did more than was expected and it makes me feel good," said Layne.

Layne added that the medical staff at Wilford Hall, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, was a big help in setting up Dulaney's visiting relatives in the Fisher House. The Fisher House is a non-profit organization that operates solely on donations to house relatives visiting family members in the hospital free of charge.

"I think the support of the military and civilians on main Kelly and the hill is overwhelming. If I could think of a stronger word, I'd use it," said Layne, explaining his feelings about the generosity of people in the Kelly community.

An example of going above and beyond would be Capt. Kelly McCartney, also from main Kelly. In addition to a monetary donation and clothes for the children, the captain paid the existing balance of the family's Temporary Living Facility bill.

As for Dulaney, he's in awe of the whole situation. When asked about his feelings on the support provided, he said he didn't expect anything like this. "It has really surprised me," he said, "I didn't believe there was this much good still out there."

Layne remembers Dulaney not wanting people to make a fuss over him and Layne's response was, "Just stand back and let the people do it!"

And do it the people did. As of April 21, more than $19,000 has been collected for Dulaney and his family.

Those interested in donating clothes or toys, drop them off at Building 1650, Room 206, second floor on main base Kelly. Those wishing to make a cash donation can mail it to:

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