Barksdale First Sergeants host Christmas lunch for Airmen

Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, serves food to Airman 1st Class Irthgar Berry, 2nd Comptroller Squadron customer service technician, during a Christmas lunch on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 25, 2013. Commanders, chiefs and first sergeants as well as volunteers from several base organizations took time away from their families to prepare and serve a Christmas meal to dorm Airmen who were unable to go home for the holiday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Sean Martin)

Barksdale First Sergeants host Christmas lunch for Airmen

Published Dec. 25, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Sean Martin
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Airmen had the opportunity to come together and enjoy a Christmas meal at the Chapel 2 annex, Dec. 25.

The meal was put together by the First Sergeant's Council with the help of Barksdale's leadership and private organizations.

"Today the First Sergeant's Council, along with private organizations, came together and held a Christmas meal for all the single Airmen living in the dorms and also those working today," said Master Sgt. Chad Kraus, 2nd Operations Group first sergeant.

Base leadership, volunteers and private organization representatives served food to the Airmen who attended. To-go boxes were also delivered to 51 Airmen who were working.

"We sent runners to hand deliver the boxes to the shift workers and security forces Airmen including those working at the Fire Department, lodging and command post," said Master Sgt. David Bedner, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant. "All the ones who can't get out, we're making sure they get a meal as well."

Those Airmen who were able to attend were surprised by the amount of food and desserts prepared for them.

"This is only my fourth week at Barksdale," said Airman 1st Class Kareem Cole, 2nd Bomb Wing command post controller. "I was very surprised when I found out the base was doing something like this for us. It is very comforting and this event eliminates that feeling of not being home for the holidays."

With thousands of Airmen across the Air Force away from their home and even serving overseas, the theme of the Air Force family is prominent.

"The mission doesn't move forward without our Airmen," said Bedner. "I know it's tough at times to be away from family and friends, but any time there's an opportunity enjoy fellowship with other Airmen during the holidays, you know you're still with family."