Alaska Guard continues Operation Santa Claus tradition

  • Published
  • By Army Spc. Paizley Ramsey
  • 134th Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP DENALI, Alaska (AFNS) --  Children from rural Alaskan communities were treated to an early Christmas this year as members of the Alaska National Guard completed Operation Santa Claus for young people in communities across the state. 

The 50-year community relations and support program provides toys, books and school supplies to Alaskan children. 

More than 100 students from McQueen School in Kivalina, a city in Alaska's Northwest Arctic borough, received books, presents, a holiday meal and photos with Santa Dec. 6. 

Members of the 176th Wing from Kulis Air National Guard Base in Anchorage flew a C-130 Herculeswith the Christmas gifts to the Kivalina children.
 
"This is so much fun, and the presents are really cool," said 14-year-old Jasmine Adams of McQueen School. 

"This is the best; better than anything," said Warren Hawley, a 13-year-old fellow student. "This doesn't happen very much, and we want you guys to come back."

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made a surprise visit too.

"It's wonderful to be here in Kivalina to celebrate the holidays and to be able to do this for the children of the community," said Governor Palin, who was accompanied by her daughter, Piper. "It's good to be able to show our support for the National Guard and to show the people of Alaska what our Guard is up to."

Several military guests were on hand, including Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler, the Pacific Air Forces commander; Lt. Gen. Craig E. Campbell, Alaska's adjutant general; Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, the Alaskan Command commander; and Army Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Katkus, the Alaska Army National Guard commander.

"The greatest thing about Operation Santa Claus is that we get to share our gifts, and the people of the communities get to share their culture," General Campbell said. "Operation Santa Claus becomes a bonding experience for both urban and rural Alaska."

After a hot Christmas dinner, lifelong Kivalina resident Larry Adams expressed his thanks to the men and women of the Alaska Guard.

"It's absolutely great what the Guard is doing, and the kids just love this," Mr. Adams said. "I wish they would do this more often. We would love to see the Guard here again -- only we don't want to wait until next winter. Come see us again this summer."

The Guard also sponsored visits to other rural Alaskan communities, including Ruby, Newtok, Stebbins, Teller, Brevig Mission and Chalkyitsik. A visit to Metlakatla also is planned. 

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