Wing Christmas tree spreads holiday spirit, savings

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Trevor T. McBride
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 48th Fighter Wing kicked off a new holiday tradition at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, by building a Christmas tree rather than buying one.

Although financial uncertainties brought significant concern into the lives of Airmen and their families this year, the holiday spirit is in full swing throughout RAF Lakenheath.

Col. Marc Vandeveer, 48th Mission Support Group commander, said sequestration raised questions on whether or not buying a Christmas tree this year was going to be a possibility. After sharing ideas, the answer was to build one instead.

The base was able to benefit financially by using recycled resources around RAF Lakenheath to build the tree.

"We transitioned from spending $5,600 per year to finding and using excess materials on base," said Vandeveer. "The operations and maintenance money can now be applied anywhere else on the base."

According to Staff Sgt. Gilberto Hernandez, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems craftsman, the tree consists of used resources including a 35-foot light pole, guide wires, camouflage netting and lights.

"They were given a three-week time span to complete everything," said Tech Sgt. Robert Wooten, 48th CES NCO in charge of electrical testing and inspecting. "Our guys were able to brainstorm, develop an idea and get it done in a quick process."

Sequestration in the U.S. military is resulting in the Air Force finding ways to save money, yet maintain success.

"Due to the ingenuity of our Airmen at RAF Lakenheath, they were able to continue an important holiday tradition," said Vandeveer.

"Essentially, this was a two-stage effort," he added. "The 48th CES was responsible for the setup of the tree, while the 48th Force Support Squadron orchestrated the tree-lighting ceremony."

The base Christmas tree lit up the night sky during a ceremony Dec. 6, 2013, as Col. Kyle Robinson, 48th FW commander, pressed the giant red button. The ceremony, hosted by the 48th FSS, also included caroling, cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa Claus.