CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
It's the time of year again when we are all looking to give the best possible gifts to our children, our spouse and other members of our family.
Unfortunately, we do have some families who may be experiencing even rougher times because of their rank or the size of their family. The holiday season can be one of the most stressful times of the year as we try to provide for our families. Fortunately, for those families who may be having a rough time, they also have an even bigger family - Charleston AFB.
This time last year, I was a new first sergeant here at Charleston AFB, preparing to deploy the day after Christmas. As soon as I got here, I experienced how great this community is at supporting its own. Last year, I participated in my first Holiday Cheer Program sponsored by the first sergeants.
At that time, the economy was on its downward spiral, yet everyone did their part by providing donations so we as first sergeants could provide some of our younger families the means to have a better holiday season. The donations of the community allowed our first sergeants to provide a small gift to 162 families so they could purchase a little bit more for their holiday dinners. On top of that, Angel Trees helped to provide just that much more to the children of these families.
It is my honor to have the chance to write this article again this year and thank the Charleston community for their support of the Holiday Cheer Program. This year, our first sergeants, through the great support of all members of the Charleston community, were able to raise almost $5,400 to help provide for 122 families who are having a much rougher time. I know everyone is feeling the pinch these days, yet the support was outstanding. It is always great to see we are all looking out for each other.
There is no greater feeling than to see a smile on someone's face as they are given a gift which might lighten the burden on them. Currently, the Angel Trees are set up in the chapel, commissary and the Base Exchange. If you are able, please stop by to pick a child off the tree and provide a gift so the child can have an even better holiday.
As this year nears its end, we can all look back at the accomplishments which have been made and the hard times which have been faced. But I know after seeing the faces of families who have been recipients of the caring nature of the Charleston community, many more will remember the kindness of others rather than the hard times.
On behalf of our Charleston AFB first sergeants, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the community for your support of the Holiday Cheer Program and the families of Charleston AFB. Have a safe and joyous holiday season.