About a year ago my Sailor sent me a flyer about a food distribution on base and the need for volunteers. We both wanted to help so we signed up to serve.

We arrived that Saturday morning not knowing what to expect. We introduced ourselves as 'new volunteers, please put us to work.' We were directed to "Miss Tilly." Miss Tilly, age 85, is a spunky senior citizen. What she lacks in height she makes up for in energy and drive and she quickly set us to work.

I love Miss Tilly. I have worked with her for a year now and have watched her 'adopt' all the babies that come to the food distribution, give all the volunteers nicknames (my hubby has one he'll never forget - but I best not print it here).

Miss Tilly, widow of a deceased career Sailor, started passing out food (cheese) to military families from the back of her station wagon in 1985. Since then she has grown and expanded. The free Food Distibution takes place on the third Saturday of each month at NBVC-Port Hueneme's Building 19. Service members E-6 and below are eligible (E-7 with two dependents are eligible). Each month families receive a selected meat (turkeys at the holidays), staples, canned vegetables, baked goods such as breads and more. Diapers are distributed when available.

This coming Thursday (June 25th)Smokey's House of BBQ, joined by KHAY (100.7 FM) will honor Miss Tilly as she celbrates 28 years of working with the Military Families Food Bank. But more than just honoring a woman who wants "the volunteers recognized - not me" Smokey's House of BBQ will give a $10 Gift Card to everyone who donates $10 to the Military Families Foodbank between June 22-25th.

Please support the military families of Ventura County with your generous support. Smokeys House of BBQ is located at 1201 S. Victoria, Oxnard. Call 805/985-7125 or logon to www.smokeyshouseofbbq.com for more information. Smokey's is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

For more about Miss Tilly (Matilda Ahearn) click here.

Miss Tilly, thank you for 28 years of serving us, military families!