Operation Cookie Crunch to bring cheer to dorm-dwelling Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  More than 500 single Airmen are stationed at Eielson, and during the holiday season people come together to get every one of them a bag of homemade cookies. Operation Cookie Crunch will be held Dec. 12, to collect and distribute cookies to the unaccompanied Airmen of Eielson and spread some holiday cheer.

"Operation Cookie Crunch is just one of the many ways we take care of our Iceman family -- especially our junior members," said Chief Master Sgt. Al Hannon, 354th Fighter Wing command chief.

"The single, dorm-dwelling Airmen are our first priority," said Tammye Gerdes, Operation Cookie Crunch coordinator. "They are without ovens and we hope to bring them some holiday spirit."

This year, each bag will be decorated by K-12 students from Eielson. Volunteers will get together from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Yukon Club to fill the custom bags with the donated cookies.

"We are thankful to the schools for making this truly a base wide event," said Mrs. Gerdes. "The maintenance squadron also helped putting up the lighted up display signs to advertise for cookie crunch."

In addition to the schools and maintenance squadron's support, the Base Exchange and Commissary have made donations to include a $100 gift certificate, candy, packing materials and tablecloths. As a result of all the on-base donations and support, Operation Cookie Crunch will be able to take place without the need to seek help outside of the Eielson community.

"For many of our young Airmen, this may be the first holiday season they've spent away from their biological family," said Chief Hannon, "Even if they've been here a couple years, most Airmen are still at least 1,500 miles from home."

Jessica Cooley, wife of Master Sgt. Scott Cooley, Electrical Systems Superintendent, first participated in Cookie Crunch last year and donated one dozen cookies. This year, not only is Cooley making six to 10 dozen cookies, she has also opened her house for other people to drop off their cookies or just wanting to help her bake.

"Operation cookie crunch is a great opportunity to say thank you and remind Airmen that they are loved and appreciated," said Mrs. Cooley.

After all the donations have been packaged, the first sergeants will deliver cookies to their Airmen at their dorm rooms.