Serving through the season: Senior Airman Alan Leckie

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Melanie McLean
  • 15th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFPN) --  The holiday season is in full swing with office parties and festive family traditions in the works. Meanwhile, for the Hickam Air Force Base Fire Department, it's business as usual.

Senior Airman Alan Leckie of New Castle, Del., said firehouse traditions keep the holiday spirit alive. The chefs will be in the community kitchen, while the rest will turn their break area into a dining room, with tablecloths and place settings.

"It's almost like being at a second home because (on) any holiday we have a big dinner," Airman Leckie said.

The delicious menu and elegant tables will be shared with the spouses, children and of course, Santa Claus. There is a gift exchange for the little ones and the big ones alike.

When asked what's on his Christmas wish list, Chris Kiyuna, with 30 years of civilian service at the Hickam Fire Department, said, "a 10 handicap for my golf game."

As firehouse tradition has it, Mr. Kiyuna will probably end up with something else under the firehouse tree, said Jerome Liu, serving since 1989.

Among the people in the break room, the feeling was unanimous that the best part of the holiday season is not the presents, but the food. Airman Leckie, with four years of service, said eating the home-cooked food with the crew is his favorite part of this time of year.

"There are a few chefs here among us, so we cook up a meal, but stay on alert for special guests who tend to stop by around the holidays," said Mr. Liu. "It's really good to see that the base people are remembering us and care."

"We do appreciate when people come by to show their gratitude around these times," said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Fredette, assistant chief of health and safety.

The entire squadron will work seven 24-hour shifts during the two weeks of holidays, from Dec. 23 to Jan. 7. Overall, the crew gives two to three individuals time off for the holidays, on a yearly rotating schedule. If someone is off this year, it will be four to five years before he gets the holiday season off again.

Airman Leckie said that despite the holidays, the atmosphere does not mean relaxed manners. They are expected to have the same response times as any other time of the year and have to stay alert.

"Some of us get to go home, some of us don't," said Senior Master Sgt. Jesus Longoria, deputy fire chief, serving 18-plus years. "The mission here doesn't stop. This is our service to the public, so that their minds can be at ease for the holiday season."

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