Operation Cookie Crunch

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Officer's Spouses Club hosted the annual Operation Cookie Crunch drive Dec. 9 at the Yukon Club collecting dozens of cookies to spread a little Christmas cheer to single or unaccompanied Airmen here.

Volunteers from the OSC, Enlisted Spouses Club and active duty servicemembers filled bags with cookies, wrapped them in tissue paper and attached a card thanking Airmen for their service.

"I enjoy serving others, especially the single Airmen who are out serving our country, being away from their families at this time. This is something we can do for them," said Lisa McArthur, a first time volunteer for the operation.

The cookies are given to single Airmen on assignment without any family of their own. The baked goods are a sweet reminder to tell them that they're not alone.

"We just want them to know the Eielson family is thinking about them and cares about them," said Jennifer Waite, Operation Cookie Crunch chairperson. "We do this as a nice sentiment to let them know that we appreciate everything that they do. They really are the backbone of the Air Force."

Mrs. Waite volunteered alongside Stephanie Dawley, who coordinated the distribution of the cookies, to make sure this year's operation was a success.

"I volunteered as a packager in previous years and I've always enjoyed doing it," said Mrs. Waite. "It's a good cause so I thought this year I'd like to step up and take on the added responsibility to see what goes on behind the scenes."

"I really enjoy being a part of this," said Mrs. Waite. "I think this is fun, it's great to get out and you feel good about doing this for them. I can only imagine what it's like to be in the dorm and away from your family -- especially in Alaska."

Once all of the cookies are packaged they're given to each squadron's first sergeant to be distributed to the dorm-dwelling Airmen at Eielson. Any leftover cookies are donated to various offices on base and to those who have helped make Operation Cookie Crunch possible.