McConnell cookie drove delivers holiday cheer

Airmen from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing gathered to package cookies for Airmen living in the base dorms Dec. 11, 2013, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The home-baked goods were donated by Airmen, civilian personnel and people from the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo)

McConnell cookie drove delivers holiday cheer

First sergeants, chief master sergeants and Airmen from the Dorm Council prepare to deliver boxes of cookies to dorm residents Dec. 11, 2013, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The delivery is part of the annual McConnell AFB cookie drop, an incentive carried out by base leadership to improve morale and welfare to junior members of Team McConnell during the holidays. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier)

McConnell cookie drive delivers holiday cheer

Published Dec. 13, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Members of Team McConnell and the local community donated thousands of cookies during an annual holiday cookie drive, all of which were boxed up and delivered to the residents of the unaccompanied housing on Dec. 11.

Volunteers throughout the base put together the boxes while first sergeants and chief master sergeants from various groups and squadrons hand-delivered the cookies to approximately 400 Airmen living in the dorms.

"The holidays can be tough for some of our Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Kaleth Wright, 22nd Air Refueling Wing command chief. "So we want to spread a little bit of holiday cheer and more importantly let them know that we care about them."

The cookie drive was deemed a success as the organizers were able to put together more than 400 boxes with a dozen cookies in each one.

"We had senior airmen who were living in the dorms last year donate cookies," said Lanette Jackson, wife of Col. Joel Jackson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "The amount of people who helped out is just amazing."

The box of cookies was an unexpected treat for many of the Airmen who are spending their first holiday season away from their families.

"I thought it was really cool, nice gesture," said Airman 1st Class Kevin Gonzalvez, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "It's different being away from home, so it's nice seeing that somebody cares."

The success of the drive established that this year's cookie drop-off will not be the last.

"We've made this a McConnell tradition," said Wright. "Thank you to everyone that made this happen."