Lakenheath spouses’ club fills Liberty Warrior’s gas tanks Published April 7, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Stephen Linch 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- A generous philanthropy project could not come at a better time. As a government shutdown threatens the pay of Liberty Airmen and civilians, the RAF Lakenheath Enlisted and Civilian Spouses' Club filled up Airmen's vehicles for free at the RAF Lakenheath gas station April 7, 2011. The RAF Lakenheath ECSC put the event on their calendar months ago, anticipating the long weekend due to a scheduled family day on April 8, 2011. According to Kim Parker, the RAF Lakenheath ECSC philanthropic treasurer, the club spent $1,000 filling up 20 vehicles to make travelling in the U.K. during the three-day weekend more financially feasible for Liberty Airmen and their families. "(We planned the event, because) families were going to be going out of town for the weekend and traveling, and we figured a lot of people would be getting gas that they normally wouldn't," said Mrs. Parker, noting the goal of local spouses' clubs are to help the local community. According to Mrs. Parker, the club chose to pay only for the fuel of Liberty Airmen whose pay grade was E-1 through E-5 for a good reason. "We figure they would have a harder time if they wanted to travel," Mrs. Parker said. "They have less money coming in." One of the Airmen who was pleasantly surprised by receiving a free tank of gas was Airman 1st Class Erin Zabarnick, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs broadcaster. "I was thrilled when I found out my gas was free," said Airman Zabarnick. "This charity couldn't have come at a better time considering the possibility of military members not getting paid and the price of gas on the rise. "I'm getting married soon and every dollar counts," she added.