Icemen welcome holiday season with tree lighting, celebration

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt Tim Jenkins
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Sugar plums, glistening snow, candy canes, jingle bells - many iconic images bring to mind the festive spirit that often accompanies the holiday season. None, however, may be more essential than the holiday tree.

Members of the Iceman Team celebrated the arrival of the holiday season with the lighting of the wing holiday tree, followed by a holiday family celebration Thursday at the base chapel and Yukon club.

The festivities began at the base chapel, where Brig. Gen. James Post, 354th Fighter Wing commander, reflected on the event and its meaning.

"Thank you all for coming tonight, and making this season more special than it already is," said the general. "During the holiday season, our neighborhoods and homes are filled with decorations and lights, and it gives us a special feeling of joy and peace. It's something that I can remember for every year of my life - the opportunity to gather with family and friends."

He added that the holidays are an important time to come together and remember the significance of the season.

"This year, I ask that with your family and in your individual lives may this holiday generate tremendous joy, and may we all remember the true meaning of the holidays and remember all those that are not able to be with us today. They are deployed around the world in service to our great nation."

Scripture, prayers, holiday music and a reading, by Col. Lynn Scheel, 354th FW vice commander, of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," led to the moment when Post, assisted by a number of Eielson children, brought the wing tree to life.

Following the tree lighting, members of the Eielson community gathered for the 354th Force Support Squadron's Holiday Family Celebration.

Everyone was treated to a free holiday feast, with music provided by the 9th Army Band Woodwind Ensemble, games, raffles and a visit by the big man himself - Santa Claus.

"It was very festive and the food was great," said Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Stith, 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of inventory. "It was nice to have an event like this, especially when a lot of us are far away from our extended families."

Jeanne, Stith's wife, agreed.

"I had a lot of fun," she said. "It was great to see so many people having a good time."