Team members from the Intelligence and Knowledge Development Directorate (IKD-M) at Royal Air Force Molesworth raised almost 700 pounds (1200 dollars) during a two day fundraiser on April 19 and 20, 2011 to assist with relief efforts after the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11.

Tracy Colley, a civilian at IKD-M and the main organizer for the event, watched the news coverage from Japan and felt she wanted to do her part to assist.

“I just wanted to do something to help,” said Colley. “I asked a couple of my colleagues if they would like to help and the response was overwhelming.”

“We knew the IKD-M team would want to get involved and it was proven by the generosity of the donations,” said Ralph Belander, one of the organizers.

The group contacted a local chapter of the British Red Cross to assist with getting the money to Japan.

Sarah Denston, the senior community fundraiser from the Cambridge chapter of the British Red Cross came to RAF Molesworth on May 3, 2011 to accept the check.

“It means a lot that this group took time to raise funds for those affected by the recent disaster in Japan.” said Denston. “I was so happy when I got the call and was asked if I could come to meet this group at Molesworth.”

“It didn’t surprise me when I heard about this fundraiser,” said Army Lieutenant Colonel Dylan Carlson. “We have a great team and they enjoy helping others both here in the local community and abroad.” “I am proud of the work they do for U.S. Africa Command and for their desire to help those in need.”