Fresh baked: Airmen Cookie Drive

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chase Cannon
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  It is that time of the year again. Jack Frost is nipping at noses; Santa's elves are prepping his sleigh and keeping an eye on all of the children.

With the holidays right around the corner, it is a busy time for everyone. This can be especially true for military members, whether they are deployed or at home station. The mission never stops.

Because of this, not everyone has the chance to celebrate the holidays as they may like.

"Being in the dorms last year, it was a great feeling coming home from work and having a bag of cookies there waiting," said Airman 1st Class Cody Vaughan, a 314th Fighter Squadron aerial resource manager and cookie drive volunteer. "It's that reminder there are people out there who care even when you can't go home for the holidays and you don't have family here."

The annual Holloman cookie drive is an event, normally headed by the Holloman Key Spouses organization to ensure everyone who may be spending the holidays alone has at least a little holiday cheer.

"Knowing this can help the Airmen in the dorms be a little happier and get through the holidays is a great feeling," said Vaughan.

Vaughan is not the only person who understands the importance this program can have for Airmen living in the dorms. A 93- year-old World War II, Korean and Vietnam War veteran made a cookie donation and brought in a Christmas card to show his appreciation for those serving today.

"It may seem like a small gesture to the volunteers who bring in cookies to the cookie drive," said Vaughan. "But, it is a big gesture to the Airmen in the dorms."

Along with cookies, there are cards attached to each bag delivered to the rooms. These cards are drawn and colored by children attending Alamogordo and Holloman schools.

"It is such a nice way to show our appreciation to those who serve away from their families," said Marcelle Furrow-Kiebler, the Airman Cookie Drive director. "It is really heartwarming to see how many in the community contribute."

Airmen may not be able to see their moms, dads, wives, husbands or children, but there is always a fellow wingman who has their back.

"If you have the opportunity after you get out of the dorms to come back and give back to this, it is a great volunteer opportunity," said Vaughan. "It means a lot to the Airmen and to yourself when you are doing it."