The 179th Airlift Wing transformed into a “Winter Wonderland” Sunday, as unit members and their families celebrated the Christmas season through fun and festive activities.
The “Winter Wonderland Celebration” featured a wide variety of activities that families could enjoy. Each of the unit’s sections decorated their own booths that aligned with the wonderland theme; for instance, Public Affairs and Wing Headquarters hosted a photo booth with Santa, Force Support Squadron prepared 400 cookies for decorating, and Security Forces distributed gifts to children.
Children could also write letters to Santa, play games, create crafts, jump around in a bounce house, and eat some delicious treats.
Live music was also featured at the event by The Mistletones and The Fun Center Chordsmen.
Chaplain Capt. Sarah Ditto partook in the festivities with her husband Destry and daughter Caralee. She said she appreciates how events like this allow an opportunity for her family to visit the base.
“I like that we can bring our family members out so they can see where we work and what we do,” she said.
For some of the families, it was their first time to have visited the unit.
Col. Gary McCue noted, “Today is the first wing holiday party that we’ve had, where the entire wing shows up on one day. Generally, in the past, we’ve had separate functions with each of the groups, but we decided to try this and it worked out really well.”
He added, “So far everyone loves it.’
His daughter, Carly McCue, was able to participate in some of the activities. She said her favorite activity was making her own Christmas ornament.
Also as part of the celebration, Carl Fernyak, CEO of MT Business Technologies, presented a donation of $2,500 to the Friends of the 179th Family Readiness and Support Group on behalf of MT Business Technologies.
Debbie Thomas, Vice President of Friends of the 179th Family Readiness and Support Group, was thankful for the donation and said, “We appreciate all the support to our families and to the members here at the guard.” She said the money will help fund events (much like Sunday’s event) that are hosted by the 179th Airlift Wing.
Speaking to all the unit members, Fernyak commented, “We’re very, very proud of you guys and just want to thank you for doing a great job.”
