Operation Holiday Surprise

Senior Airman Matthew Frank, 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron individual protective equipment journeyman, and Airman First Class Brett Simmons, 22nd LRS material management apprentice, pose for a photo with Amanda Chastain, McConnell Enlisted Spouse Club vice president, after receiving $50 gift cards at the base commissary during Operation Holiday Surprise, on McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., Dec 19th. The MESC donated 200 gift cards to random Airmen, ranked E-5 and below, during the 2014 holiday season. (Courtesy Photo)

Operation Holiday Surprise

Published Dec. 24, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The McConnell Enlisted Spouse Club has been donating $50 gift cards here randomly to Airmen ranked E-5 and below as part of their annual Operation Holiday Surprise.

The MESC had 200 gift cards and have been handing them out since Thanksgiving.

"OHS is our effort to raise funds to purchase gift cards that can be used at the commissary," said Amanda Chastain, MESC vice president. "We surprise military members and their families and present them with a gift card and a note of thanks."

The MESC has accumulated $10,000 throughout the year via fundraisers and sponsors donations for OHS.

It's not only rewarding for the Airmen but for the MESC as well.

"It is amazing," said Tracy Cummings, president of the MESC. "Sometimes people cry, sometimes they give us hugs."

'Tis the season of giving, and the MESC is happy to be involved.

"Participating in OHS is my favorite holiday tradition," said Chastain. "You can't help but get into the spirit of Christmas when you see someone light up when you surprise them with an unexpected gift and thank them for their service and sacrifice."