Holiday Party 'refuels' McConnell's spirit

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maurice Hodges
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Team McConnell families got an early holiday treat at the 22nd Air Refueling Wing children's holiday party Dec. 3, 2011 at Hangar 1107.

Approximately 1,200 guests attended the party in the recently refurbished hangar.

In the past, the event took place at the Robert J. Dole Community Center, but space was usually limited. This was the first year the event took place in Hangar 1107. The location change accommodated the larger number of guests and allowed for entertainment which included photos with Santa Claus, life-sized checkers, balloon animals and inflatable houses. The opportunity to celebrate in a hangar provided a unique atmosphere for the children's party.

Capt. Shane Sheffield, 22nd Air Maintenance Squadron aircraft maintenance unit officer in charge, commented on the morale boost of gathering everyone and giving back to McConnell's families and friends, especially the families of deployed service members.

Since McConnell is home to the largest KC-135 Stratotanker fleet in the world, this event differed from those offered in the community.

"There are not a lot of kids who can get a picture with Santa Claus and military aircraft, like a KC-135, in the background," said Sheffield.

Capt. Terry Hankins, 22nd Air Maintenance Squadron assistant officer in charge, who brought his son, said he appreciates events like this because he enjoys seeing his son have a good time.

While families celebrated, a canned food drive coincided with the party sponsored by the base chapel. One hundred and forty-two items were collected to donate to community food banks.

"As an Air Force, we realize that it's not just the ones in uniform who make sacrifices; the spouses and families make some of the hardest sacrifices and having these events is a way that the military tells them they are cared about and are part of the military family," said Staff Sgt. David Perry, 22nd Air Refueling Wing religious program support NCO in charge.