Barksdale's Santas in Blue

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The holiday spirit fills the air as the large conference room is covered with holiday decorations, wall-to-wall gifts, chatter, smiling faces and the laughter of children.

Barksdale's Santas in Blue committee hosted its annual children's party Dec. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Bossier Civic Center.

SIB is a committee formed by Barksdale's Top Three organization, which teamed up with the Department of Children Family Services to provide gifts for more than 400 local children in foster care.

"This is not just a Top Three event," said Master Sgt. William Dominy, chairman for the SIB committee. "The whole Barksdale community gets involved every year. Whether it's an Airman, their families or civilians, everyone plays a vital role in making this event a success."

Case workers from different parishes provided the children's wish lists. The lists were compiled into a master list and distributed to each unit's gift coordinators. Volunteers then came forward to fulfill the wish list of each child.

"The holiday season is the time of giving," said Master Sgt. Neil Heerdink, president of the SIB committee. "I can't imagine a better way for the Airmen of Barksdale to get into the holiday spirit than by selflessly volunteering their time and energy to provide Christmas cheer to those who might otherwise not get to enjoy the holidays."

During the party children and their families got the chance to visit with Santa and his elves, Sparky the Fire Dog and 'Airman Andy', while enjoying holiday movies, food and fun activities as they opened their gifts.

"I can't even describe the feeling as my emotions start to rise just thinking about the smile on a child's face when they open their present, the gleam in their eye and the surprise on their face because this is what they asked Santa for," said Dominy. "At the end of the day I will know we accomplished what we came to do. I'm just thankful I was given the opportunity to be a part of something so special. To me, this is the true meaning of good will."

Many of the children got the chance to celebrate the holiday in a way they may never have before.

"There is absolutely no better feeling in the world then knowing that you have made a difference in a child's life," said Heerdink. "Especially during this time of year when joy and happiness should fill every child's heart."

The SIB committee and Barksdale community raised more than $12,000 and purchased more than 600 gifts.

Numerous donations and more than 150 volunteers are needed each year to make this event a success.

For more information contact Dominy at william.dominy@barksdale.af.mil or Heerdink at neil.heerdink@barksdale.af.mil.