Volunteers hold 8th annual Corn and Sausage Roast Published July 22, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Chelsea Smith 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- A hot July afternoon marked the 8th annual Corn and Sausage Roast held here July 20 to promote base camaraderie and benefit the Dobbins Emergency Assistance Fund, or DEAF, for reservists in financial need. The smoke from the grill lingered around the picnic grounds at Lakeside Lounge, releasing the smell of fresh roasted corn and hearty bratwurst sausages as organizers, including servicemembers, retirees, and civilians, prepared for the event. Amongst the crowd, main organizer Ron Durant, ground safety manager, 94th Safety Office, assuredly extended a helping hand wherever needed to ensure the smooth flow and comfortable atmosphere for the events many patrons and participants. Dressed in a T-shirt, slacks, and tennis shoes, his approachable, yet commanding demeanor provided the right amount of calm and direction for volunteers at the event. Durant, a skilled hand-crafter, made many of the items on sale at the event. Items included old-fashioned, wooden sewing machines, bird-feeders, hand-crafted tree ornaments, DVDs, and books were on sale ranging from $5-$10. "All the items are homemade at 3 a.m. while I'm still awake," he said. "I often extend the sale of these items for a week in which all the funds are given to the DEAF. This is the only place I sell these items." Additionally, nearly 264 bids were placed in hopes of winning a hand-knitted Afghan blanket exhibited on an entrance table leading to the event. Donations were also accepted as main contributor, the Dobbins Thrift Store, donated $1,000 under the management of Nancy Black. Ultimately, the main attraction was the food. Featured were sausages slowly simmering on the grill, adjacent to the roasted corn, ready to be shucked and dipped into jars of melted butter. "People always ask me why [we] don't serve hot dogs," he said. "I say bratwurst are unique and offer a different dining experience." Corn and sausage were popular amongst the retired servicemembers who completed tours in Germany and locations where sausage was a common food choice. Corn was considered a complimentary item, abundant during the summer season and part of the southern tradition. "This goes back to the old saying - if it's not broke, don't fix it," he said. "But we're open to suggestions." Organizers from the Dobbins Square and Compass Club work with volunteers from the Airman and Family Readiness Office, 94th Airlift Wing and 22nd Air Force to support the event. Initially, the event was held to reward the hard-working members of the Dobbins Square and Compass Club. In 2003, the group was approached by a representative at the Airman and Family Readiness Office to incorporate a fundraiser to contribute to the DEAF. Funds were needed due to the growing need for emergency financial assistance, a large amount of deployed servicemembers, and the lack of an allotted a budget for the center, said Durant. "Fundraising through this event helps bring much needed donations to reservists throughout the year when they are experiencing financial hardship," said Angela Pedersen, director, 94th Airman and Family Readiness. Reservists in financial need through no fault of their own can visit the center to apply for assistance. The emergency assistance board determines an applicant's eligibility, and once approved, decides whether funds will be distributed as a grant or loan, said Pedersen. Historically, the event has helped raise more than $2,000 for the DEAF. This year's event is anticipated to be just as successful. Whether enjoying great food or conversation, the greater benefit to the base is what keeps the event alive year after year. "We represent family values and claim to take care of our own," said Durant. "This is a demonstration of that." Always held the 3rd Wednesday in July, planning begins in Oct. with initial preparations beginning in March. Past events have featured a motorcycle and car display as well. Proceeds from ticket sales, items sold, and donations went directly to the DEAF.
