Pay-it-forward week comes to Offutt Published Sept. 11, 2014 By 55th Wing Public Affairs 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- In the spirit of Wingmanship, and in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, Offutt is hosting its first ever, Pay-it-forward week Sept. 21 through 27. Pay It Forward is the title of a popular movie from 2000 in which a young boy was given a school assignment to think of a way he could change the world. In the movie, the boy starts a chain reaction of good deeds by simply showing an act of kindness to a stranger and requesting that they, in turn, do something kind for someone else. The concept has gained popularity as a method of spreading good will within communities as seen recently at a Florida Starbucks where the goodwill went on for 11 hours, with each person buying the next person's coffee. "Instead of 'repaying' a favor, we will 'pay it forward' to someone else in need of a helping hand," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Grengs, 55th Wing command chief. "Over the next week, I encourage you to be alert to ways you may be able to assist another in need." The gestures could be toward someone known or even a stranger. "These acts of kindness can be planned, such as packing an extra meal for a colleague who rarely has time, or spontaneous, such as helping someone carry their groceries to their car," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Dephino, 55th Wing chaplain. "But remember, if someone does a good deed for you, you are encouraged to pay-it-forward to help someone else." A few ideas include: · Bringing coffee or snacks to an early meeting · Donate an hour of time or give blood · Offer a ride to an Airman without a car · Mow a lawn for a busy or deployed neighbor · Give a tour to a new member or family member of Team Offutt · Give a compliment or a letter of appreciation · Take the time to teach someone a new skill or help them study for a test The Public Affairs office invites everyone to share their ideas, or how their life has been touched by a Pay-it-forward gesture through theOffutt Facebook page using the hashtag #payitforwardoffutt.