After spending six months in the Middle East, Staff Sgt. Ron Olaizola got right back to work at the Food Bank for New York City in the Bronx. On Friday, his team in Hunts Point was packing up boxes of food to send out to families in need across the five boroughs just in time for Thanksgiving.

“I always knew and have always seen that there's a need for food, especially amongst all of the different communities in New York City.” Olaizola said. "And I've seen the food bank for New York City bags in my building where I live.”

In March, Olaizola will retire after six years of service to be closer to his family.

“I've served my country, I'm serving my community, and now I need to serve my family.” He said. “I'm very proud to be an American. I'm very proud to be a New Yorker. I'm very proud to be Latino. And I identify with all of those things. I think now more than ever, we need to think about each other.”