Bandits hosts Operation Santa-135

Andres, 11, a “little” from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sedgwick County, opens gifts he received during a BBBS Operation Santa-135, Dec. 22, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Twenty-nine “littles” toured the base and received a surprise visit from Santa, and several gifts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrea Salazar)

Bandits hosts Operation Santa-135

Children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sedgwick County serve themselves food during the BBBS Operation Santa-135, Dec. 22, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The children toured the base and received a surprise visit from Santa. The event was sponsored by the 349th Air Refueling Squadron and was an opportunity for the children to experience the base and develop bonds with Airmen stationed here. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrea Salazar)

Bandits hosts Operation Santa-135

Capt. Jonathan Christopher, 349th Air Refueling Squadron instructor pilot, describes the navigational controls of a KC-135 Stratotanker simulator to 11-year-old “littles,” Alfredo Edmonds and Arturo Mendez from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sedgwick County, Dec. 22, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The 349th ARS hosted the BBBS event for 29 littles, to provide a firsthand experience of base operations. The Kansas BBBS assists more than 6,000 Kansas boys and girls, most of whom are considered at-risk or live in single parent homes, achieve their full potential through long-term personal relationships with carefully screened volunteers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Maria A. Ruiz)

McConnell 'Bandits' hosts Operation Santa-135

Published Jan. 4, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The children's eyes grew wide as he took the first step off the KC-135 Stratotanker with a bag full presents for all of the 29 "littles," Dec. 22, 2010.

Santa, played by Col. Edsel "Archie" Frye, Jr., 931st Air Refueling Group commander, and the 349th Air Refueling Squadron partnered with the Sedgwick County Big Brother Big Sister program to host "Operation Santa-135." The event allowed children 14 years old and under to tour McConnell, and also receiving presents from Santa. Many of the children came from underprivileged or single parent homes.

"We requested children that were not really going to have a Christmas," said Capt. Michael Gregory, 349th Air Refueling Squadron readiness officer. "The idea came from our squadron commander and it grew from there."

The basewide event led the littles through the KC-135 simulator, the base fire department and the 349th ARS.

"[The event] was fun because I got to see and explore the planes," said Angela Yates, BBBS little. "The planes and fire trucks were neat, but when I got my present I was really happy."

Team McConnell members donated 60 toys for Santa's bag that included fire trucks, dolls, remote control cars and many more toys for the littles.

"We really can't say how much we appreciate everything McConnell does," said Sharon Erwin, community outreach coordinator. "Unfortunately, I know of one little girl here whose Christmas is happening right now. These gifts will be the only ones she receives this year, so it makes a great impact on these kids."

Santa-135 is one of many events Team McConnell has sponsored for BBBS. In the spring of 2010, McConnell raised $35,000. In the summer, 60 unmatched kids came to McConnell for a base tour. Along with the events, McConnell has given away scholarships and introduced new Airmen as "bigs" to many littles throughout the community.

"I am so proud of the folks in my squadron who put this event together, and I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of this base," said Lt. Col. Andre Briere, 349th ARS commander. "This event concludes a very busy year for the 349th ARS and McConnell BBBS community outreach program. We look forward to contributing even more to this very worthy charity in 2011."