Arctic Village 2006
The 3rd Wing vice commander Colonel Scotty Lewis, accepts a gift from the people of Arctic Village, Alaska. The gift, saying "Merry Christmas" in their native language, is a symbol of thanks to the 517th Airlift Squadron for 40 years worth of trips that the 517th AS from Elmendorf, Alaska has made to Arctic Village. They brought food, toys and Santa there each holiday season. Due to a change in aircraft at Elmendorf, this Dec. 11 trip will be the last that the 517th Airlift Squadron will make to Arctic Village. The Alaska Air National Guard will add Arctic Village to its list of destinations during Operation Santa. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Rhiannon Willard)