Wisconsin Air National Guard unit hosts children's North Pole 'flight'

By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard

A flight of fancy brought an early Christmas for 15 families of children with life-threatening illnesses.

The annual "Flight to the North Pole" began 27 years ago at the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee, in collaboration with the Silverliners - a group of former Eastern Air Lines flight attendants - and the 128th Community Council. The concept has taken off and is now in 20 cities nationwide.

"How long will the flight take?" asked Torre Engstron, 7, of Milwaukee.

"About 20 minutes," replied one of the volunteers before the families boarded a decorated KC-135 Stratotanker designated "Santa Liner" for the day. "We have a special route."

The "Santa Liner" taxied the families from one part of the 128th Air Refueling Wing base to another. En route, children were given the opportunity to visit the cockpit where they heard a message from Santa Claus via headphone, and could "fly" the aircraft with assistance from one of the pilots. Once at their destination - Sijan Hall decorated as the North Pole - the families were greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus, ushered inside where dozens of carolers awaited, and taken to tables for a meal and gifts from Santa. Each child received a gift or gifts chosen specifically for them.

"Everything we do is for Mannie," said Michelle Harken, Milwaukee, of her 3-year-old son. "It's always exciting for him to see something new, especially because we can't go anywhere right now. It's nice for him to feel he's going somewhere and to be with other kids."

Nicole Batzko of Milwaukee heard about the program from the chairman of the Milwaukee Against Childhood Cancer Fund.

"I think I'm more excited than they are," she said of her children Isaiah, 13, and Kalyn, 5. "It's really nice having other people doing this for us."

Up to 50 military volunteers and as many as 50 civilian volunteers joined forces for this year's event, and coordinator Senior Master Sgt. Bobbie Coker said it was a team effort.

"We start doing this process in October," Coker said.

Many of the volunteers are seasoned hands at the "Flight to the North Pole," with one volunteer - an elf-garbed Sandy Busalacchi - returning for her 25 year.

"You guys are having more fun than the kids," quipped Lt. Col. Glenn Everson, looking at two volunteer elves playing with one of the children.

"Oh yeah, definitely," they replied.

Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Lychwick, who will take the coordinator reins for the annual event next year, said the appeal is evident.

"Just to see all the smiling faces, how happy they are to be here," she explained. "It's great."

"This is my ninth year," Coker said, adding that she hopes to continue with the program after she retires. "I love doing it for the kids. The feeling of gratitude - this starts my Christmas."