SJAFB kicks off 2014 Angel Tree program
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on November 26, 2014 1:46 PM
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4th Fighter Wing Vice Commander Col. Andrew Bernard removes the first angel from the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Angel Tree. Each angel contains a holiday wish list for a needy military child.
From a distance, it resembles many of the Christmas trees one might see displayed inside a department store this time of year.
But when you zero in on the handmade ornaments hanging from the branches attached to the one that stands inside the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base BX, it becomes clear that this tree is different.
Each ornament contains a wish -- a listing of gifts that would make one needy military child's Christmas morning a special one.
The base's angel tree has, since it was first placed in the BX several years ago, served hundreds of its own.
Last year, more than 400 gifts were donated.
So when 4th Fighter Wing Vice Commander Col. Andrew Bernard pulled the first ornament off the tree, he seemed confident that his gesture would be repeated by those with access to the base until the last child has his or her wishes fulfilled.
"This way everyone can enjoy the season together," he said. "It's a phenomenal effort."
Capt. Tiffany DeRosa is in charge of the angel tree program this year -- and said she expects more than 150 applications to be processed by Christmas.
"It's all the units," she said. "Not just the 4th Fighter Wing."
So those with access to the BX are asked to support the cause -- to do a little shopping for some of the youngest members of the close-knit community they are a part of.
Gifts, in the past, have ranged from clothing and shoes to educational gifts and musical instruments.
Most cost between $10 and $30.
They will be delivered Dec. 16.
Bernard said he hopes the men and women under his command will support the effort.
"Not everyone has the same opportunity," he said. "We're taking care of our own."