AFA Thunderbird Chapter Helps Open Bobi’s Corner Food Pantry at Nellis AFB

The Air & Space Forces Association’s (AFA) Thunderbird Chapter, partnering with Operation Warmheart and the Nellis Military & Family Readiness Center, officially opened Bobi’s Corner Food Pantry on June 2 to support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families stationed at Nellis Air Force Base.

The need for an on-base pantry became clear during the last government shutdown. Operation Warmheart—a year-round program run by the Nellis & Creech First Sergeants that assists Airmen, Guardians, and their Families through emergency requests, the annual Turkey for Troops drive, and the holiday Adopt a Family and Angel Tree programs—reached out to the Thunderbird Chapter to see whether its community connections could help bring a pantry to life.

The chapter delivered on two fronts. Working through AFA’s United Forces & Families program the chapter secured a grant that served as seed money for initial supplies. Proceeds remaining from the 2025 Nellis Airshow funded the purchase of a freezer, refrigerator, and shelving.

The First Sergeants Association worked with the Force Support Squadron (FSS) to find a home for the pantry, and the Military & Family Readiness Center (MFRC) offered an unused room in its building. MFRC staff will provide assistance Monday through Friday, 0800 to 1600; after-hours emergencies will be coordinated through unit First Sergeants.

Volunteer Steven Ziemba has lined up community partners to keep the pantry stocked with fresh produce, frozen food, canned goods, staples, and baby supplies, and additional donors across the Las Vegas area have stepped forward to contribute. The pantry is open to anyone with access to Nellis AFB—a meaningful resource given the high cost of living in the Las Vegas area.

“Taking care of Airmen, Guardians, and their Families is essential to the readiness of our Air Force,” a representative from the Thunderbird Chapter said. “As the saying goes, as goes Nellis, so goes the Air Force.”

“Named in honor of Mrs. Bobi Oates, an honorary First Sergeant whose dedication to our Airmen helped make this resource possible, Bobi’s Corner continues her legacy of caring for our military community,” a representative for the Nellis First Sergeants said. Oates serves as AFA’s National Director West.