USAF Squadrons host children’s Christmas Party

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Gallahan
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  More than 50 local Forest Heath children attended a Christmas party host by two Air Force Squadrons Dec. 16.

The 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron and 48th Munitions Squadron hosted the party, held at the St. John's Community Centre in Mildenhall

"The party was a tremendous success," said Major Darrin Dronoff, 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron commander. "The Airman were thrilled to again have the opportunity to give back to the local community, and seeing the smiles on the children's faces that afternoon showed them that they indeed made a difference in a lot of lives. Knowing our squadrons, were able to hold this event and bring the holidays to these children has made this holiday season very special for me."

The party kicked off at 5 p.m. and included a magician, face painting, a cookie and cupcake decorating contest, bean bag toss and a Santa walk where pictures were placed on the ground for children to walk on, and when music stopped whoever was on a picture won a prize. There was also food and many presents for the children.

"We had a list of 139 children that asked for presents this year," said Mr. Norman Killeen, an event organizer that works in the 48th EMS Aerospace Ground Equipment flight. "Airmen signed up for each child and bought a present for them. Unfortunately, not all of the children were able to attend so the presents were taken back to them so they could have a Merry Christmas also."

He also said various clubs played a huge role in the party, providing food and money used to host the party.

The two squadrons have hosted parties for children for the past 14 years and work closely with the Suffolk County Council to coordinate the event.

"The Mildenhall and Lakenheath communities have welcomed us into their lives for the past 60 years," said Major Dronoff. "This is a chance for us to give back to "our" community, especially to those children who are less fortunate. The tradition of hosting Christmas parties for local children has been going on since World War II when the 8th Army Air Force provided a party to local children who were subjected to severe war time rationing. And this tradition is not about to stop now."