Special guest helps 552nd ACW celebrate holidays

  • Published
  • By Kenneth LaFayette
  • Tinker Public Affairs
Answering a call for help, an E-3 Sentry pulled in front of Bldg. 289.

The building, normally used for washing E-3s housed a crowd of anxious and excited children expecting an early Christmas surprise. On Dec 11, spouses and Airmen from the 552nd Air Control Wing joined forces to help children celebrate the Christmas season.

Santa was the special guest at the wing's annual Children's Holiday Party. He walked off the plane to a crowd of happy faces, children and adults, and the swell of applause where Col. John Rauch, 552nd ACW commander, awaited to escort the big man to the awaiting audience.

"All my years in the Air Force there's not many bigger moments than delivering this special guest to our kids, it truly is an honor," said Colonel Rauch.

When Santa arrived, the children lined up one-by-one to spend time with him. They waited patiently as every child took their turn to sit and give their Christmas wishes to him.

"My favorite thing about Christmas is that you get lots of presents," said Joey Carroll son of Tech. Sgt Robert Carroll.

The aircraft washrack was filled with plenty of food and activities for the children. This could not have been accomplished without a group of individuals working behind the scenes, organizers said.

Lauren Hamblin, one of the organizers of this year's holiday party, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event. Nineteen local merchants including the Airman and Family Readiness Center donated more than 390 toys and other items to the event.

"We couldn't have pulled this off without contributions of many organizations," said Mrs. Hamblin.

The activities for the 400 children in attendance included a rock climbing wall and a Christmas obstacle course where children could become certified elves by navigating obstacles on tricycles, hula-hoop jumping, picking up presents, sliding down a simulated chimney and delivering the presents to the bottom of a tree.

There were several other activities, including face painting, picture coloring, a mini duck pond and a bean bag toss. There was also a booth for the children to make a special ornament for their mother or father. An indoor bouncy castle also added to the fun.

Sergeant Carroll, 552nd ACW protocol, coordinated the set-up and tear-down of the event activities.

"As far as manpower, I had over 100 Airmen helping me set up booths and tables for the activities; we were doing our part to help make this a fun event for the entire family," Sergeant Carroll said. "I enjoy bringing my kids out and letting them burn off a little energy."

The event also gave patrons a chance to give back. Each child received a ticket for attending the event and was given another ticket for bringing canned goods to donate to Tinker's food pantry. Tickets were used to win prizes.

"This is one of the popular events we put on in the 552. It's great to see all the active duty bring their families out and hang out together, "said 552nd Command Chief Master Sgt. Scott Magoon.