Care through Crafting; Recruiting civilian sews masks for Air Force family, community Published May 5, 2020 By Tech. Sgt. DeAndre Curtiss 369th Recruiting Group NASHVILLE, Tenn. – While much of the country is still practicing isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, a concerned member of Air Force Recruiting Service has found a way to give back and aid in protecting those who are still working the front lines. Kimberly Mader is known by her co-workers for having a caring approach throughout her 28-year civil service career. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity to further demonstrate that trait. Mader, 332nd Recruiting Squadron unit program coordinator, has crafted nearly 500 cloth masks for her family, squadron, and local community. “As a mom, I do my best to watch out for each and every member of our squadron and their families,” Mader said. “I try to be there for everyone to share in their happy or frustrating times because they’re not just military members to me, they’re my extended family.” During the pandemic, she realized there was a need for face masks at home and at work. “My daughter has multiple sclerosis and due to the infusions she receives she is highly autoimmune and I am also on the autoimmune list so when news of the virus came about I wanted some way to try and help lower our risk of catching the virus,” she said. “As a government purchase cardholder, I knew disposable masks wouldn’t be available anytime soon.” Mader, who has been a crafter for years, took inspiration from an article she saw on Facebook detailing how to make cloth masks in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control guidelines. After watching tutorials on YouTube and making notes she made a few masks and posted the results on her Facebook page which immediately sparked interest from her friends and family. The positive reception her masks garnered on social media gave her the idea to help her squadron teammates. “I informed 332nd RCS leadership I would be more than happy to make masks for our folks, and after a few discussions, I was told I could proceed. I purchased the supplies and began the journey,” Mader said. With the help of her two granddaughters, Mader crafted and delivered two types of masks, tied and over-the-ear, in two weeks to recruiters, Military Entrance Processing Station personnel and flight chiefs. Additionally, she supplied masks for her local Olive Garden, two nursing homes, a church, and a factory. In total, she used approximately 90 yards of elastic, 1,500 yards of thread, and too much fabric to count. While Mader would spend countless hours and resources to craft masks for many people she will never meet, her attitude was this was her job to help others. “It’s our job to look out for each other and take care of each other,” she said. “I believe when you do something from your heart for people it comes back to you tenfold. It’s so heartwarming to open an email or text and see someone wearing a mask you made them and they are grinning from ear to ear.” Several members of the 332nd RCS have expressed appreciation for the work Mader has done and continues to do, including her current commander. “Ms. Kim has been the pillar of continuity for command programs in our squadron through several commanders. She regularly goes beyond her job description and demonstrates great care for our workforce,” said Lt. Col. Michael Kovalchek, 332nd RCS. “Her care and service to our squadron allows us to provide opportunities to men and women desiring to join the Air Force, serve their country, and change their lives.”