Silent hero laid to rest Published May 15, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Staff Sgt. (Ret.) James C. Downey, who was known as "Santa" to the staff of the Airman and Family Readiness Center, passed away at Wesley Hospital, May 2. "Mr. Downey was just one of those silent heroes, continually giving from the heart," said Mary Reece, 22nd Mission Support Squadron, AFRC flight chief. "Mr. Downey never gave his name to the AFRC when they asked for it," said Ms. Reece. "He did not want to be thanked for his donations to the AFRC." For more than four years, he arrived at the AFRC nearly every month with a bag of toys, games, bears, and miscellaneous items in support of Team McConnell families with members deployed for the monthly Heart's Apart Events. "It is a great way to entertain the children and to network with other spouses," said Ms. Reece. The AFRC hosts the annual Christmas Toy give-a-way. Throughout the year, the AFRC gathers toys and games to be handed out during the annual Christmas Toy give-a-way. "He was also a wonderful contributor to the annual Christmas Toy give-a-way," said Ms. Reece. "He personally purchased boxes of toys and games for our military children during the Christmas Toy give-a-way." It is through donations like Mr. Downey's that make successful programs like Heart's Apart, My Hero doll, and the Christmas Toy give-a-way. "Mr. Downey loved giving back to our military families," said Ms. Reece. "He will be missed by our center and to the Airmen he supported although his support was silent to them, he played a huge part," said Mary Ann Barry, 22nd Mission Support Squadron, community readiness consultant. If anyone would like to volunteer or donate to the AFRC, contact Master Sgt. Susan Smith, at 759-6020.