Bringing holiday cheer to Creech children

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christian Clausen
  • 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada --  Team Creech hosted the third annual children's holiday party for military families Dec. 12, 2015, at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada.

The event included activities to bring Creech families together, improve morale and camaraderie, and provide opportunities for children to meet Santa.

"The most important thing about these kinds of events is that we get to come together as a family and it helps build the bonds between the families so everyone has someone to reach out to," said Col. Case Cunningham, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "We also get to enjoy the camaraderie of what it is of what we do here at Creech on a daily basis."

The party included activities such as arts and crafts, bouncy houses, toys for smiles, information booths, selfie stations, vehicle static displays, free food, games, and photos with Santa.

"We got to play games and meet Santa," said Lillian, 7, daughter of Master Sgt. Jessica, 432nd Operations Support Squadron intelligence superintendent, as she enthusiastically explained her favorite part of the event.

Her brother Tyler, 10, agreed the games were fun but the opportunity to win free presents were his favorite part of the day.

The children were also able to pet Military Working Dog Dakrosy, an eight year old German shepherd who is scheduled to retire in the next year. This was the first opportunity for many of the children to pet a working dog. 

"We've unfortunately had to start Dak's disposition papers because of his hip dysplasia, so now we need to transition him from a working atmosphere to a civilian one," said Staff Sgt. John, 799th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler. "Since he's always been more mellow and not as aggressive, we allowed kids to pet him at the event to get him used to people wanting to touch him."
Over 400 children attended the event with their families.

"Events like these are important because it brings everyone together and makes Creech a more family oriented environment," said Master Sgt. Jennifer, 22nd Reconnaissance Squadron intelligence flight chief. "It's nice to have the kids out here to see what their parents do and also gives families an opportunity to interact since Creech is so far away."