Tree-Lighting Ceremony attracts large crowd, "big man" himself makes guest appearance

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James Wilkinson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A crowd gathers around a 30 foot-tall tree in temperatures below freezing. The Holy Roller - the Chaplain's van that usually makes appearances to Airmen working on Dover's flightline - is serving hot chocolate by the gallon. Besides the hot chocolate and some knit caps, there is little else to keep this crowd warm. But surprisingly - everyone is smiling.

The Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony here Tuesday provided not only warm beverages to keep warm but also good-old fashioned holiday cheer for Dover Airmen and their families.

Maj. Frank Mondo, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron operations chief, his wife, Kellie, and daughters, Emma and Abbie, helped Col. Sam Cox, 436th Airlift Wing commander, light the tree for the ceremony.

Major Mondo and other members of the 436th CES and Chaplain (Capt.) James Hendrick, with the 436th AW Chaplain Team, worked together to spread the holiday cheer to base members with a little help from a special guest - Santa Claus himself.

Santa made his appearance riding on the back of a Dover Air Force Base fire engine. He then greeted every boy and girl with a candy cane, wishing them, "Merry Christmas!"

Fortunately, I had the rare opportunity to sit down with the big guy for a face-to-face interview before he traveled back to his home in the North Pole to prepare for the upcoming Christmas season.

What is your favorite part about visiting Dover Air Force Base?
The children! Big, little, young and even old children. They're the ones with the most Christmas spirit! I also like to visit my old friend Colonel Cox, too!

Where are you going from here?
I'll be headed back to the North Pole then onto more Air Force bases. I even get to visit the places where some moms and dads are deployed overseas. They will get some regular gifts but mostly they just want to know that their kids love them.

When will you return to Dover AFB?
I will be here for a variety of upcoming events. Check your base newspaper for events where I will be making an appearance. (Editor's Note: See Community Notes on page 4 for events that Santa will appear at.)

How does your sleigh make it around the world in one day?
Through a combination of lots of practice and hard work, judicious use of time zones and high technology borrowed from the U.S. Air Force. Have no worries boys and girls, I always make it in time. Sometimes if I have a really heavy load, I get some extra help from Dover AFB and use one of their huge C-5s. Did you know my entire sleigh and all of my reindeer will fit inside a C-5?

What is your least favorite part about holidays?
Oh, ho ho! The traffic ... you wouldn't believe the air traffic. It's almost impossible to schedule my flightplans during the holidays. Luckily, I have friends in the Air Force working at the North American Aerospace Defense Command, also called NORAD, to help me out. Be sure to help NORAD track me online at www.noradsanta.org.

What does a guy like you do in his spare time?
I like to fly of course! Not many people realize that Santa Claus is an Airman, too. They told me I could not fly without a license. I have to stay current to maintain my private pilot's license. I was actually among the first Airmen, having been a flyer long before the airplane was invented. I'm one of the original Airmen, Ho Ho Ho!

Where can children send their holiday wish lists?
The fastest way to get a holiday wish list to Santa is to give it to their parents. Even I am not sure how it happens so quickly, but if a parent sees the list, my elves get the list almost immediately and can go to work. There is a Web site where you can send your list to Santa, but it takes a little longer. www.emailsanta.com.

Why doesn't Santa always bring me what I asked for?
Santa usually knows what presents you would like to receive. However, sometimes Santa also knows that your parents, family or guardians have other special things in mind. Also, Santa does not like to bring gifts that he knows your family would prefer you not to have - such as an F-16, a space shuttle, or other gifts that would not be appropriate.

How many cookies can you eat?
Lots and lots. I'm not sure if I can count high enough, but I eat a lot of cookies even though Mrs. Claus says I need to cut back on the number. Last year, I ate so many I felt a little sick because of the sheer number children left out for me. This year, I may eat a little less at each home. I've got to stay fit to pass my physical training test.

How is the toy-making coming along?
It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it. We're on schedule and everything is coming along just great. I have lots of helpers with me at the North Pole and more around the world.

What advice do you have for the boys and girls at Dover AFB?
Gift giving is the best part of my life and I think it could be for the boys and girls, too. Giving something special to a family member or friend is great! Giving them something they always wanted? Terrific! Sharing a hug or just saying thank you is a great gift to give.