The FReeper Foxhole -

Dec. 6, 2002

[Jen]

'Unless we fail in our objective -- this thread is designed to stir your emotions and memories and to bring out the patriotism in you.'

-- SAMWolf, US Army Veteran

[SAMWolf]

Good Luck! AntJen.

[Jen]

PING to the FReeper Foxhole!

[Jen]

Thanks SAM!

[SAMWolf]

Air Force Elves Help Answer Santa's mail

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) — Children around the world can get a signed letter from Santa Claus, thanks to elves from the U.S. Air Force's 354th Operations Support Squadron's combat weather flight here.

For nearly 50 years, people at Eielson AFB have helped Santa answer the mail. Each year, the flight answers thousands of letters, sending responses postmarked "North Pole, Alaska." "Last year, because of operational concerns, we only answered about 1,000 letters," said 1st Lt. Andrew Mercer, chief elf for this year's program. The previous year, the flight answered more than 6,000 letters.

People who would like a free letter from Santa for a child should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Santa's Mailbag, 354th OSS/OSW, 1215 Flightline Ave., Suite 100B, Eielson AFB, AK 99702-1520.

[habs4ever]

What a terrific idea! Bump for history and patriotism!

[Jim Robinson]

VetsCoR bump!

[SAMWolf]

Alaskan squadron delivers Christmas
by By Staff Sgt. Nate Hier

Isaiah, 12 weeks old, gets his first "lap-time" with a C-130 Hercules Santa from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Isaiah was one of two Arctic Village, Alaska, children seeing Santa for the first time. Many of the village's residents have seen all of the 30-plus Arctic Village trips the 517th Airlift Squadron "Firebirds" have made since 1967. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Theo McNamara)

12/06/02 - ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- The 517th Airlift Squadron here made its annual pilgrimage to a remote Alaskan village Dec. 3 with Christmas gifts and cheer.

The 517th AS "Firebirds" have been making the trip to Arctic Village for more than 30 years.

The tradition began in 1967 when the porcupine caribou herd - the villagers' primary source of food - changed its migratory trek because of forest fires. The squadron, then known as the 17th Tactical Airlift Squadron, flew the village hunters to the herd and returned with their meat, saving the village from starvation.

Since then, the Arctic Village Booster Club - through the support of the 517th Spouses Group and squadron volunteers - has brought food, clothing, school supplies and gifts to the villagers every year.

"It's all about the children," said Linda Stephenson, a spouses group member who made her third trip to Arctic Village. "To see the smiles on their little faces is just amazing. The only Santa most of the villagers have ever seen has come off an Air Force C-130 (Hercules)."

One such villager, Bertha Ross, was just 4 years old in 1967 when the tradition began.

"When I was a little girl, Santa Claus would fly over waving from the side door, and the men would drop Santa's gifts out the back," said Ross. "It was the most exciting thing for the whole year."

Besides school supplies and gifts for the children, volunteers also brought meat to help alleviate a poor caribou-hunting season because of another change in the herd's migratory patterns. They also brought other staples, such as butter, bacon, flour and sugar, in addition to a laser printer and a new copier for the village council.

There were also some new additions to the traditional cargo this year. Spouse Lori Porter, a pediatrician, worked hard to obtain needed medical supplies. Elaine Hedden, another spouse who is a physical therapist, worked with the villagers on various stretching exercises. One villager in particular - recently shot in the knee while hunting - received one-on-one training to aid in his recovery.

One of the biggest additions to this year's event came from an Angel Tree the booster club set up in downtown Anchorage.

"Having the Angel Tree was an absolute huge help," said Stephenson. "That really helped let the community know what this annual event is all about and allowed them another avenue to join in and help."

The booster club also raised $13,000 through their annual auction, during which community businesses donated money and gifts.

Much has changed in the last 35 years for both the villagers and the volunteers. While Ross is no longer an excited little girl standing on the frigid runway waiting for Santa to open the door, she took just as much pleasure in this year's visit by bringing the next generation into the magic of this unique Christmas tradition.

During the celebration in the village community center where Santa handed out presents to each of the 74 children, Ross was holding two village infants as they saw their first "C-130 Santa Claus."

[blackie]

Hi Jim, how're you doing these days?

Take care...

Molon Labe!

[Jim Robinson]

Very well, thanks. Hope all is well with you.
Jim

[Jen]

Thanks Habs!

[Jen]

Hi Jim! Thanks for allowing us to have a FReeper Foxhole! And, thanks for the bump and pings.

[Jen]

Hi Blackie. Thanks for coming to the FReeper Foxhole. Molon Labe!

[Jim Robinson]

My pleasure. Thanks for the thread.

[blackie]

Oregon is fine, a little cool and we need more rain.. :o)

I'm in good shape, considering the shape I'm in.. :o)

Ciao,
blackie

[Eastbound]

Good timing, AntiJen. Sixty-one years ago today an enemy fleet was headed towards Pearl Harbor.

[blackie]

Jim pinged me, we go back way before he got famous and before I signed up here...he's a bud! :o)

[Jen]

Yes, it sure was. Guess what the topic for tomorrow will be? ;-)

[Diver Dave]

I LIKE IT!!!

[Eastbound]

PS: I think it can be safely said that our response time today has been greatly enhanced.