349th ARS brings in a “little” holiday cheer with Operation Santa

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Airmen of the 349th Air Refueling Squadron spread some holiday cheer to 18 children from the local community by taking them on a base tour during the annual Operation Santa Claus event held here Dec. 18.

The Airmen, commonly referred to as the 349th ARS "Bandits", showed the "littles" of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wichita different parts of the base, from the military working dog kennel to the base fire department and the flightline. 

During the visit, the children "flew through" Las Vegas in a KC-135 Stratotanker simulator, used a boom operator weapon system trainer simulator, and they stopped to see a KC-135 static display.

"The kids had a blast, just driving on base they were super pumped," said 1st Lt. Gage Owens, 349th ARS pilot. "I enjoy making the kids happy; it is a good feeling."

The final stop was at the 349th ARS' heritage room, where the children met Santa and his pile of toys, and each "little" received two wrapped presents provided by the "Bandits."  After ripping off the wrapping paper, a couple of the kids even busted out some dance moves in excitement of receiving Legos.

"I have volunteered with BBBS in the past, and it feels good seeing smiles on kids' faces," said 1st Lt. Joel Gonzalez, 349th ARS pilot. "I know one of the kids from last time. He really enjoys it because he is always looking for a big brother and somebody to hang out with."