HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- As the end of the year approaches, Team Holloman prepares to celebrate the holidays with an annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday festival on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 here.
The tree lighting ceremony brings people together before the base holiday festivities begin.
“A variety of events were held across the base to get people in the holiday spirit,” said 1st Lt. Olamide Adeyeye, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron deployment and distribution flight commander and one of the lead officers in charge of the events. “Throughout the day, Airmen and families could participate in photos with Santa, a Holiday Cruisin’ event, a video game tournament, food trucks and a drive-in movie.”
With several events held across base, it took a number of volunteers and leaders to support.
“We solicited over 60 volunteers, but this does not include the number of people who helped coordinate and bring this event to life,” said Adeyeye. “We have representation from the entire base and we have had all hands-on deck to prepare.”
Some of the volunteers were solely responsible for reminding participants to maintain physical distance from non-family members so the community could enjoy the events without worrying about personal health.
“I commend (Col. Ryan Keeney, 49th Wing Commander) for being safe while ensuring our Airmen and their families have a somewhat normal holiday celebration that the base normally brings,” said Adeyeye.
One of the volunteers at the event spoke about its importance amidst the challenges the year has brought.
“It’s definitely important and it’s good for the community to have something to do on base especially with COVID-19. This is a great opportunity to spread holiday joy,” said Staff Sgt. Travis Morales, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production assistant.
Many airmen have made the decision to not go back home or are unable to because of travel restrictions.
“We had a great turnout, only an hour into the event we started running out of goodies to give away, so I hope many other people saw how important it was to celebrate this year,” said Morales.
Although the year has presented new challenges, Team Holloman has been able to adapt, innovate and overcome -- and Holloman’s yearly holiday festival was no different.