Icemen elves answering Santa's mail Published Dec. 3, 2002 EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- Children around the world can get a signed letter from Santa Claus, thanks to elves from the 354th Operations Support Squadron's combat weather flight here.For nearly 50 years, people at Eielson AFB have helped Santa answer the mail. Each year, the flight answers thousands of letters, sending responses postmarked "North Pole, Alaska.""Last year, because of operational concerns, we only answered about 1,000 letters," said 1st Lt. Andrew Mercer, chief elf for this year's program. The previous year, the flight answered more than 6,000 letters.People who would like a free letter from Santa for a child should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Santa's Mailbag, 354th OSS/OSW, 1215 Flightline Ave., Suite 100B, Eielson AFB, AK 99702-1520.