LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Airmen and families from the 19th Airlift Wing kicked off the holiday season with a tree lighting and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Herk holiday celebration at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Dec. 5, 2019.
More than 300 Airmen and families came together at Heritage Park to witness the tree lighting event.
“I think it’s important for people to get out with their families and spend time together,” said Master Sgt. Jennifer Willis, 19th Maintenance Group maintenance management superintendent. “It allows families an opportunity to see the mission in a more holiday oriented way and understand what their parents and loved ones do every day.”
After the invocation, music from the Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School Choir, and a greeting by Col. John Schutte, 19th AW commander, members transitioned to hangar 232 to enjoy arts and crafts, photos with Santa and bouncy houses.
“I think the big picture is bringing back that Air Force family,” Willis said. “It’s more than just wearing a uniform, it’s everyone coming together and feeling like a family.”
The 19th Maintenance Group took charge in coordinating this year’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Herk holiday celebration, which was held in hangar 232.
“The fuel cell team has put a lot of work into making this event a success.” Willis said “My favorite part of coordinating this event was seeing the camaraderie that they have and the excitement they have for this event.”
The support of the military family plays an integral role in maintaining resilient Airmen and accomplishing the combat airlift mission.
“This event allowed us to come together as a community and begin the holiday season off right,” Schutte said. “Our military families are exceptional -- they are a huge part of what makes our Air Force the best in the world. This season allows us to pause and reflect on where we want to go as a team in year 2020 and serves as a celebration of all that we have accomplished in 2019.”