KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. -- A local high school senior undertook a project to support the David R. Kingsley Fund at the 173rd Fighter Wing as a sign of appreciation for the military presence in the Klamath Basin.
Jaden Price, a senior at Henley High School just outside Klamath Falls, Ore., donated $350 that he raised over the last four months, Dec. 20, 2018.
The DRK Fund was established more than 20-years ago to help military members and their families in times of need. Recently the fund has helped an Airman injured at their civilian job who was struggling with finances after the many, unexpected medical bills.
Another Airman’s child had significant medical conditions requiring treatment at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, in Portland, Oregon, which caused financial struggles as the medical bills and costs for travel mounted quickly—the DRK Fund helped them through that financial struggle, said Senior Master Sgt. Eddie Gibson, the DRK Fund president.
During a gathering in a base conference room Price presented a large check to Gibson.
“To see the heart of a young man wanting to help those in-need is always refreshing and it is a blessing,” said Gibson. “His effort, hard work, and this donation show his maturity and show that he cares.”
Price said he found his motivation for the project based on where he sees himself in a few years. “This is what I want to do, when I’m done with school,” he said speaking of joining the ranks of Kingsley Field Airmen.
Utilizing bottle and can drives, coin drives at sports events, as well as doing yardwork helped him raise the funds for the foundation.
Gibson explained that the fund helps servicemembers who are confronted with emergencies that range from sudden illness or injury to unexpected financial difficulties. “These funds will probably go to people in the next 30 days,” he said to Price.