MISSION: Aircraft and Awesomeness

Maybe it's because I pulled 7 Gs.

Maybe it's because I broke the sound barrier.

Maybe it's because I went 750 mph.

Maybe it's because I totally rocked my flight suit like nobody's business.

But I TOTALLY love military aircraft.

So this mission? Yeah. I'm all over it. Affiliated Agent GM of Kansas (by way of New York State), who is an aircraft maintainer on the KC-135R Stratotanker (read: crew chief that makes the pilots look good) rocks.

Date: Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Location: Chicopee, Massachusetts

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Affiliated Agent GM tells us about his mission:

I'm on day 3 in Chicopee, flying out of Westover ARB, MA. Today was a rather cloudy, cool day, which for a naturally born and raised New Yorker brings wonderful memories of my childhood.

After completing a mission and having a drink with the aircrew, I decided to drop my "kindness package." I made my way over to the Big Y grocery store, next to the Hampton Inn that I was staying at and couldn't decide how to make my drop. It wouldn't have been good to do it outside because of the drizzling rain.

I then remembered another agent who slipped their package into one of the grocery carts.

Since many of the carts were outside, I placed mine into a basket, quickly snapped a picture and left.

Too bad we're not allowed to take the "getaway vehicle" until Friday when our temporary duty to Westover ARB ends.

Affiliated Agent GM? We love you.

Lots.

Also, take a look at some video that Affiliated GM shot during his real-life mission:

MISSION: Diaper-Changing Surprise

I love Target. So much. I could spend my entire paycheck in a matter of seconds in that place. Most of my wardrobe is from Target. I feel so happy every time I'm there.

Affiliated Agent LR of Massachusetts picked a great mission for a fellow Target shopper. I love her creativity!

Date: Thursday, 31 August 2010

Location: Women's Restroom; Target; Abington, Massachusetts

Time: 4:45 p.m.

She states:

Being an Aunt to nine children and a nanny to many others I wanted to come up with something child related for my mission.

As I was using a public restroom one day it hit me! I decided to leave a little something for a mom (or female caregiver) at the restroom changing table. I chose Target because it is one of my favorite stores and one that I always seem to be at.

I thought that someone taking care of a child in diapers would appreciate some coupons for diapers and wipes.

I also included a $5 Target gift card. Having a child in diapers can be expensive and hopefully this will ease the burden, somewhat, of paying for them.

I snuck into the ladies room and I was lucky enough to be alone. I was very nervous because the changing table is right next to the restroom door. After I left my package I put the changing table back in the upright position. I can't wait for someone to find it!!

As I was leaving I couldn't help but smile. It's such a good feeling!

On my way through the parking lot I encountered a STOP sign. I thought, "We should all STOP and spread a little kindness."

Thanks for letting me share in the great work that you do. I'm looking forward to my next mission.

Thank YOU, Affiliated Agent LR, for your creativity and kindness.

MISSION: Groceries and Goodies

I live near one of the nicest grocery stores in Pittsburgh: the Giant Eagle Market District. It's clean, stocked to the brim, and even has a live cooking area where shoppers can sit and watch expert chefs make delicious dishes while using microphones attached to their smocks. It's very fancy. Even on the days when the store is crowded, the lines are slow, and I'm thwarted by other shopping carts at every turn, I am so thankful that I have the ability to buy the food I need when I know there are so many people who go without.

The grocery store can be stressful, as I indicate above. Those long lines, those crowded aisles, those high prices...it all can take its toll on the shopper and his or her experience. Affiliated Agent N of Northbridge, Massachusetts, has probably experienced just that! So to help remedy the same situation that someone else might encounter, she decided to do her mission of kindness at her local grocery store.

Date: Thursday, 12 August 2010

Location: Shaw's Supermarket; Providence Road; Northbridge, Massachusetts

Time: 12:07 p.m.

Affiliated Agent N shares her excitement with us:

For my mission, I decided that greeting cards would be best for making someone's day better. I bought two cards, both filed under the "Thinking of You" section. I wrote a short, encouraging message in each one and filled the empty spaces with inspirational quotes. In each envelope I also included a longer message (with instructions for it to be read later) where each sentence starts with "I hope you know..." with things like "you're beautiful," "the world is lucky to have a person like you," and "your imperfections make you beautiful."

I decided that the best places to put my cards would be in the entrance of the local supermarket. Because of how small my town is, Shaw's is where a lot of people go to grocery shop. I thought that because it was around lunch time, there wouldn't be many people shopping there. I was wrong. I had to stand outside the entrance, pretending to talk on the phone or look for something in my bag.

When people weren't around I walked in to the area where shopping carts are kept and put a card on top of one. Further inside the store there's a stack of shopping baskets so I put the other card inside one and casually walked back out.

I had so much fun with this! I felt like a spy and all I could think of were the looks on the faces of the people who found my cards. I can't wait to do this again!

Well done, Affiliated Agent N! I would have loved to stumble upon your kind gift!