First Sergeant in the United States Air Force, Robert Lumby has many ties to the city of Southlake to which he has now added one more. For over two years as a real estate agent in Southlake he has helped many families make the city their home. Last year, as a member of the Southlake Rotary, Sgt. Lumby took a leading role within a committee devoted to Southlake’s 2007 Department of Public Safety Appreciation Event. Honoring the many servicemen and women of the city just seemed like the right thing to do.
In February of this year, Sgt. Lumby was called back into active duty and was sent to the Kirkuk Regional Airbase, Iraq - approximately 200 miles north of Baghdad. For the past six months he has overseen the welfare and morale of his four hundred enlisted airmen of the 506 Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron (ESFS).
For the entire 506th daily life ebbs and flows much like it does for you and me. While there are good days when Sgt Lumby and fellow airmen can almost "forget they are in a war zone", the nature of their mission demands a high level of vigilance and situational awareness." On special occasions they may even get highly appreciated visits from celebrities like Dane Cook and the New England Patriot Cheerleaders which helps to keep spirits high. And every chance possible they share good news like promotions in rank both in military duty and on the home front -due to joyous birth’s back home, where some will see themselves enter the ranks of Aunt, Uncle and hopefully even…Dad.
Yet, there are also days when the news isn’t so positive and the tears shed are not ones of joy. These particular days are full of longing for loved ones as they focus on the responsibilities that come with the call of duty. A call of duty that ensures each day is full of activities, most of which do not pertain to their personal lives. The detached feelings from their home lives must be dealt with great emotional restraint so as to not become to weary during their enlistment. The days of summer in Kirkuk are extremely busy, long and just as hot as they are here in Texas and even the slightest taste of home is a welcome reprieve.
That’s exactly where Casey Washburn, Manager of the Starbuck’s on White’s Chapel enters the story. Ms. Washburn and staff along with their loyal Southlake patrons wanted to do something special to show their support for Sgt. Lumby and those stationed alongside him in Kirkuk. Through an organized “coffee drive” this singular Starbucks teamed with their customers to put together a super-caffeinated care package fit for the 506 ESFS.
In all, 61 one-pound bags of Starbucks coffee, countless boxes of Girl Scout cookies a coffee grinder and enough children’s drawings to cover an entire refrigerator made their way overseas and directly to Sgt. Lumby’s quarters. Sgt Lumby said, “If the drawings from those young children weren’t sweet enough, handwritten notes of encouragement, support, praise and appreciation from the donating families were found on every bag of coffee.
According to Sgt. Lumby, “the gesture was greatly appreciated and very welcome. There's nothing like starting your day with a great cup of coffee. I joke with my guys that "why shouldn’t we should have more of the comforts of home?" He goes on, “Yes, they think I'm nuts and that's ok because, I really love a good cup of coffee in the morning.”
Personal enjoyment aside, Sgt. Lumby’s favorite part of the shipment is seeing the looks of joy on the faces of his airmen as they drink the coffee themselves. “It's more than a great cup of Joe,” he says, “It's something from home. And for me, I have the added bonus of knowing it came from the great families in Southlake who support what we do here.”
To the city of Southlake, Sgt. Lumby sends his thanks and a message that there is great power in the outpouring of support shown by the city’s residents. On behalf of the 506th he says, “We appreciate your support and realizing how much we are supported makes a world of difference.”
For Ms. Washburn and her daily “coffee crew” at the Southlake Starbucks on White’s Chapel…it just seemed like the right thing to do.