ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- As military members, we are used to seeing Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom however, this year RAF Lakenheath is hosting an operation that has become a tradition for Liberty Warriors, Operation Cookie Drive.
The purpose of Operation Cookie Drive is to provide 12,000 cookies to Airmen in the dorms and deployed Airmen during the holiday season.
"Our hearts go out to these young Airmen who are separated from their families back home this holiday season," said Teri Moseley, Officer and Civilian Spouses Club, Operation Cookie Drive chair. "We want them to know that they are in our thoughts and we appreciate the sacrifices they are making and their commitment to the U.S. Air Force."
This project is a base-wide effort supported by agencies such as the First Sergeants' Council, OCSC and Enlisted and Civilian Spouses Club.
"There are more than 950 Airmen in the dorms this holiday season," said Mrs. Moseley. "Because we blanket the community with advertisements and emails, people often think everyone else is baking and they won't need to. We appreciate this holiday month is hectic for everyone, but every dozen counts."
According to Mrs. Moseley, in previous years, the cookie drive has fallen short of their goal by thousands of cookies.
"I think the Airmen's Cookie Drive is awesome," said Airman 1st Class Perry Aston, a cookie recipient from last year. "The cookies were delicious and it was nice to know that someone was thinking of us in the dorms."
This year, one anonymous person has donated a 500 minute phone card which one Airman will find with their cookies.
"The closeness of an overseas military community and its ability to come together for a great cause is awe inspiring," said Mrs. Moseley. "Although the OCSC is the organizational force behind the cookie drive, this huge task could not be accomplished without the help of the ECSC and all of the other groups and individuals who have stepped up to help."
Cookie donations will be collected at the Eagle's Landing Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cookies will be bagged Dec. 11, to volunteer, email
president@lakenheathocsc.org.