Teddy bears reach out to Solano County children Published Dec. 20, 2005 By Tech. Sgt. Wendy Weidenhamer 349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- Two dark teddy bear eyes surrounded by white fur peeked over the edge of a large brown paper bag making contact with the eyes of several curious kindergartners and first graders entering the classroom. The kids were smiling with anticipation. Several of Santa’s elves were waiting to greet the Bransford Elementary School students. Most of the elves were volunteers from the base, who had arrived earlier to transform the room into Santa’s first stop this year. Bags of goodies printed on the outside with drawings of smiling reindeer and topped with teddy bears sat nestled in the corner near Santa’s special chair. These elves, dressed in their military uniforms, showed another side of a multifaceted Air Force as they hand out small U.S. flags while talking and laughing with the children. “It’s important for kids to see another side of the military, to see that we are not only a fighting force but a peace-keeping force,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jan Lambard, 349th Airlift Control Element Operations. Sergeant Lambard was one of Santa’s elves this year. She is also a member of the Top Three Council, the organization that sponsors Operation Teddy Bear every year. In the back of the room, Master Sgt. Carol Robideaux, Senior Airman Brianna Hunt and Senior Master Sgt. Manuel Ruiz, members of the base’s Honor Guard, stand poised and ready to demonstrate folding and presenting the U.S. flag. After a few moments, they begin their march to the front of the room with a precise cadence echoed by the crisp tap, tap, tapping of their highly polished shoes. Then the sound of Christmas music was heard and Master Sgt. Mike Lattanzi, 349th AMXS, appeared in the doorway. “Late breaking news,” he said to the room. “Santa is going to be a little late due to a snow storm, but the reindeer were working very hard to get Santa here.” Soon the sound of sleigh bells was heard and in walked Santa. As he walked by the children, seated in the center of the room, one small boy jumped out of his seat, wrapped his arms around Santa’s waist and buried his head into Santa’s soft red suit and gave him a giant “teddy” bear hug. The fun has begun. Santa wiggled into his chair with a laugh and a jolly smile. He waited for each child to join him. Standing quietly, each child listened intently as elf, Master Sgt. Keith Bennett, 749th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, scanned the long list of names of good little girls and boys, and found just the right name. With a sigh of relief the newest teddy bear owner reached for his prize. This scene was repeated several times as nearly 1,000 teddy bears were given out at elementary schools around Solano County this holiday season. Sacrifices may be small but the rewards can be so many. “I don’t consider it giving up anything I consider it gaining the enjoyment of watching how much the children appreciate everything we do,” said Tech. Sgt. Dave Hoggard, 349th CMS aircraft fuel system craftsman. William Ronders, who is retired from the 45th Aerial Port Squadron, was not only one of Santa's helper, but he is one of the original founders of Operation Teddy Bear. He has many memories from past years, reflecting his dedication and the enjoyment he gets from giving his time to see the smiles of so many children. “One year we were at Crescent Elementary School. The Santa that year was about 6-feet 4-inches tall,” Mr. Ronders said. “While he was giving gifts to the kids, one boy looked Santa up and down, and looked him up and down again. He finally said, ‘Man you got to be good to get down all them chimneys’.”