Operation gathers cookies for unaccompanied Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tim Jenkins
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The list of accomplishments and capabilities of the Iceman team is long and prestigious, and this year a new item can be added - well-oiled cookie-baking machine.

Members of the base community rallied together, firing up their ovens and furiously frosting thousands of cookies to satisfy the holiday sweet tooth of Eielson's unaccompanied Airmen during the 2011 Operation Cookie Crunch.

The goal of the annual program is simple - to bring a small piece of home to Airmen in the community, who may be alone and away from their families, through homemade holiday treats. The hope is that the treats also act as a reminder to the Airmen that they are not alone.

"I think these guys are away from home, a lot for the very first time," said Eva Manes, Officers Spouses Club member and 2011 Operation Cookie Crunch co-coordinator. "I think one of the things they miss this time of year is homemade cookies, so hopefully this brings them a little taste of home."

According to Manes, who has helped with the program for the past five years, the program set a goal of collecting 600 dozen cookies - 350 for unaccompanied or single Airmen in the dorms, and 250 extra for Airmen in billeting that may be visiting or just arriving to the base.

"The community here is very giving, especially when it's for our own," said Felicia Russell, OSC member and 2011 Operation Cookie Crunch co-coordinator. "People are very willing to give during the holidays. They enjoy it."

Donations were accepted starting Dec. 5, and as assembly of the cookie bags began at the Yukon Club Dec. 8, there were still trays and bags of treats arriving from those happy to help spread the holiday cheer.

Volunteers assembled packages of a dozen cookies, wrapped them in decorative paper and bags, and attached ribbons and bows. In addition, Crawford Elementary students hand-crafted 350 holiday cards to attach to the dormitory-bound bags, doing their best to wish Airmen happy holidays.

Airman 1st Class Ralphy Rosado, assigned to the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, arrived early in the morning and bagged more than 150 bags of cookies. Although he has only been at Eielson, his first duty station, for a month and a half, he still sees the importance of doing his part.

"They needed help, and this gives me something to do," said Rosado, who also happens to be a dorm resident who will benefit from the Cookie Crunch. "Plus, it's good to help others, especially this time of year."

According to Russell, more than 75 people donated a grand total of more than 10,000 cookies. Two hours after volunteers began packaging, the treats were wrapped and decorated, with a massive surplus of cookies still remaining.

"I didn't expect to reach our goal by 9 a.m.," said Manes. "I'm very pleased with the amount of cookies and with the number of volunteers, both spouses, civilians and active duty. We couldn't have done it without them."

The cookie bags were delivered to unaccompanied and single Airmen by unit first sergeants, and some of the surplus was distributed to organizations around the base.

Additionally, more than 170 bags were delivered to billeting and the temporary living facilities, and remaining cookies were delivered to Fort Wainwright and shelters in Fairbanks, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to benefit from the massive cookie collection.

"For a lot of the Airmen, this is their first assignment, so I hope it makes them feel like they're not alone during Christmas time," said Russell. "This is just a good reminder that we are a family here."