The Grinch won't steal Beale's Christmas

by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

12/12/2012 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- Santa Claus taxied into Dock 6 riding in a themed U-2 Dragon Lady for the Children's Holiday Party, and chased away the Grinch while more than 1,500 members of Beale Air Force Base, Calif., lined the entry control point Dec. 8.

After exiting the aircraft painted with holiday nose art, Santa was surrounded by Beale youth eager to great the jolly elf.

"I haven't been to a better Christmas celebration during my 23 years in the Air Force," said Maj. Lance Myerson, 9th Maintenance Squadron commander. "My family had an incredible time, and we can't thank the organizers enough."

More than 75 volunteers from Beale and the surrounding community provided face painting, pictures, crafts and food, while the Wheatland High School band played holiday music throughout the event.

"It is important that we give children a special holiday, especially those who currently have parents deployed during the Christmas season," said Master Sgt. Shane Griego, the event organizer from the 9th Maintenance Squadron. "The challenges that military children have to deal with are things most kids don't have to experience. Having parents deployed to combat environments or being uprooted from schools and friends can be very taxing during any time of the year."

Each child received a gift donated by local businesses and Toys for Troops. Griego said planning for the event started in September, and the volunteers have been wrapping gifts since Halloween. More than 1,500 gifts were wrapped and distributed.

"The volunteers from the base and the Toys for Troops organizers are the key to this event," Griego said. "Today was a great success and this party will be even bigger next year because of everyone here."