Sew Much Comfort: Taking care of our own

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri Ingalsbe
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
RAF LAKENHEATH, England --  Needles, thread, cookies and warm hearts surrounded two folding tables covered in fabric. Holiday carols, cheerful voices and the low whir of sewing machines filled the room. Several women sat chatting and sewing what some may consider "irregular" articles of clothing. 

Members of the Sew Much Comfort group meet together twice a month to make clothing for wounded servicemembers. Their most recent meeting was Dec. 18 at the RAF Lakenheath Skills Development Center. 

"The Sew Much Comfort program started at Wilford Hall Medical Center in Texas," said Laurie Miller, Sew Much Comfort local coordinator. "It's being done all over back in the states and has quickly spread to bases worldwide." 

Mrs. Miller said the program is designed to provide servicemembers injured in combat with clothing that is comfortable and adaptable to their ailments. 

"We make shirts, shorts and pants for people with nerve damage, broken bones and other war-related injuries," Mrs. Miller said. "We like to help them feel like they have something to wear, other than a hospital gown, during their healing time." 

The local Sew Much Comfort group members come from RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath. 

"I love that we get to work together by doing something that's so simple, yet such a great way to give back," said Tori Molineux, Sew Much Comfort member. 

Mrs. Molineux said she saw the great need for this service when she visited the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Every item of clothing made here is sent directly to the Wounded Warriors Ministry Center at Landstuhl. 

"This is something you'd pray that your husband would never need, but we do it because someone's husband does need it," said Amy Hart, Sew Much Comfort member. 

Not all the members of Sew Much Comfort can sew. However, there are still several other jobs to do. Some people cut out fabric fasteners for the open edges of the garments; others put together sewing kits for those who can only sew at home; some people bring cookies and their cheerful attitudes and support. Bottom line: everyone can help. 

Mrs. Miller said the Sew Much Comfort group is always looking for volunteers to help, as well as material donations. For more information, visit www.sewmuchcomfort.org.