Breakfast with Santa brings joy to Vance children

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The smallest Team Vance members had holiday cheer and fun to spare Dec. 8 at "Breakfast with Santa" in Hangar 170. 

More than 350 children and parents attended the event featuring food, crafts, movies, singing, games and an up-close and personal visit by the jolly guy himself - Santa. 

"This is a terrific way to share the holiday spirit with our children," said Elaine Troyer, event organizer and wife of Col. Doug Troyer, 71st Operations Group commander. "It is a great way for families to socialize and for children to have fun." 

In the past, various groups and squadrons conducted their own children's holiday parties, Mrs. Troyer said. This year, Team Vance members worked together to initiate a children's holiday party for the entire wing. 

"Approximately 100 volunteers and several wing agencies were involved in making this event a success," she said. "We couldn't have done this without their help." 

During the festivities, Santa Claus arrived in a T-1A Jayhawk to visit with the "good" children of Vance. 

Darryl and Cliffa Gaddis, contractors with Systems Research Group, brought their little one to see Kris Kringle and participate in the festivities. 

"He was really excited to see Santa," Mr. Gaddis said of his son, Aidan. "He will probably remember this for a long time." 

What did Aidan ask Santa for? 

"A Lightning McQueen car," the 3-year-old said. 

"This was a fun time," said Mrs. Gaddis. "There are a lot of games and fun things to do for children of all ages." 

Sheli Fierstine, wife of Navy Cmdr. Kory Fierstine, 33rd Flying Training Squadron commander, volunteered to run a craft table for the event. 

"We do this every year, but this year is much bigger because we involved the entire base," said Mrs. Fierstine who brought her two children, Kory, 4, and Carly, 7. "The event turned out great. It was terrific to see the looks on the children's faces." 

Diane McCurdy, director of Services, said she was pleased with the outcome. 

"It was a combined effort between all the organizations," she said. "Everyone worked hard to make this a seamless event for all Team Vance members."