News

Operation: Cookie Drop -- Airmen spread holiday cheer with Christmas cookies

  • Published
  • By Airman Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  For many Airmen, the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies inside the 'blue cookie monster' van was a breathtaking sight as Team Dover chiefs recently delivered boxes of cookies right to Airmen's dorm rooms.

The boxes were stuffed with a variety of peanut butter, sprinkles, M&Ms and oatmeal cookies. Each gift box was hand-wrapped and packaged by Team Dover's Junior NCO Association Monday, and distributed by Dover's Chiefs Group to 24-hour work centers around the base to and dorm managers for Airmen's living quarters.

"We've done this for the past five years for Airmen because they might not be able to spend their Christmas with their families," said Chief Master Sgt. Jon Lynn, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance superintendent. "I was given cookies as an airman and it was a great morale booster to know that somebody out there cared for me through something as small as a package of cookies."

Not only was Team Dover involved in Operation Cookie Drop, but the local community such as the Delaware United Services Organization, several downtown businesses and the Capitol High School Honor Society also showed appreciation and support for base Airmen during the holiday season.

"The honor society saw the advertisement for the cookie drop in TheAirlifter and asked to donate," said Chief Lynn. "The best thing about this event is that Team Dover, as well as the local community, were more than happy to pitch in cookies for the Airmen."

As the chief was ready to distribute the last batch of cookies around the base, he received a phone call from the USO, who wanted to contribute candy, in addition to the cookies.

"We want the Airmen to know they're appreciated for supporting the mission during the holiday and hopefully it brings back memories of home when their mother made cookies and the house smelled of cookies and baked goods during Christmas time," said the chief.

A fellow volunteer shared similar views.

"This is one of the most important things we can do for our Airmen because this may be their first time away from home," said Tech. Sgt. Crystal Ortega, 436th Mission Support Squadron Airman Leadership School flight instructor and Junior NCO Council president. "We do this because, as first-line supervisors, we want Airmen to know we're their family even though they may be away from their families.

"We want them to feel at home because this is their home for the time being. I had a lot of good supervisors that took care of me during the holidays and this is one way to let Airmen know somebody's thinking about them,'

During the cookie drop at Dorm 430, one dorm recipient thanked Chief Lynn with a smile and a handshake for the cookies.

"I had no idea what was going on when the chiefs came in with the boxes," said Airman 1st Class Matthew Klein, 436th AMXS. "I've never heard of a cookie drop, but it's nice to know that someone cares for me."

According to Sergeant Ortega, more than 9,600 cookies were donated this year. It was nearly twice the amount donated in 2006.

"We couldn't have done this without all the volunteers and every one caring for our Airmen through their small gift this holiday season," said Chief Lynn.