On Dasher, on Dancer, on Dover: Base children 'ring in' the Holiday spirit

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Christmas was in the air during the 2008 Wing Children's Christmas Party at The Landings Club Sunday and the sound of laughing children could be heard inside and out.

Many children and families gathered in front of The Landings hoping a special visitor may make his way down from the North Pole. Soon after, wailing sirens began to drown out the children's' laughter and everyone turned to watch as a fire engine made its way down the road and stopped in front of the club.

With a twinkle in her eye, one child perked up in her stroller as she saw jolly old Saint Nick step down from the engine and cry out, "Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas!"

From Santa's introduction on the street to the pitter-patter and games inside, the event seemed an absolute success. This was soon validated by a Dover Air Force Base first sergeant.

"This year's Wing Children's Christmas Party was a hit!" said Master Sgt. Robert Perrin, who is not only the 436th Logistic Readiness Squadron's first sergeant and one of the minds behind the party, but also served as one of Santa's helpers.

With more than 180 children in attendance, the first sergeants had their work cut out for them.

The key coordinators of the event were Master Sgts. Terrie Chesney, 436th Mission Support Squadron; Donna Dickson, 436th Communications Squadron; Juanita Thomas, 436th Operations Support Squadron; Jennifer Hellwig, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron; and Sergeant Perrin. Local businessmen Jim Wyrick and Jon Graham donated gift cards for the event.

The First Term Airmen Center Airmen also kicked in by manning all the game booths and activity tables.

The first sergeants led a pack of fellow Santa helpers to the raffle table and prepared for the day's big give-away.

"This is better than a T.V. game show!" said Sergeant Perrin. "We've given away tons of really cool toys and are now about to give away some 25 dollar gift certificates."

In addition to the base first sergeants and the Airmen of FTAC Class 081201, many downtown businesses and the Drug Demand Reduction Program were also responsible for spreading Holiday magic by donating gifts and allowing the Dover First Sergeant's Council use of their Midway-style games.

The DDRP supplied the entertainment, which consisted of Hula Hoops, basketball, tug-of-war, a spinning wheel of prizes, a football toss and an air-inflated bouncing boxing ring.

For most Americans, Christmas is a season of togetherness and traditional family time. Still, with the operations tempo of Dover AFB, even Santa can't bring every Dover Airman home for the Holidays.

Fortunately for the family members of deployed Dover Airmen, their Team Dover family tries to step up and make them feel at home.

Disa Chadwick, wife of Staff Sgt. Scott Chadwick, a 436th LRS supply clerk who is currently deployed to Tallil Air Base, Iraq, brought her two sons, Joshua and Colby, to the party to play games and meet with Santa.

"I wish Scott could be here this Christmas," said Mrs. Chadwick. "Still, I understand the sacrifices we are making here and the Holiday he has to spend away from his family will someday improve the lives of the people of Iraq."

For Mrs. Chadwick, the idea of sacrifice is the real theme of Christmas.

"I know he'll be home to us soon," she said. "He's strong and he'll be fine this Christmas. On the other hand, the Iraqi children are so innocent, like all kids across the world. Maybe what he is doing there will someday bring the Iraqi children a similar Holiday experience. Maybe some day they will be able to safely have their own family Holiday parties. That will make this all worth while."