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552nd ACW children’s holiday party draws more than 400 participants

  • Published
  • By Darren D. Heusel
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Fun was definitely in great supply Dec. 10 as nearly 450 children from the 552nd Air Control Wing, along with friends, family and special guests took part in the eighth annual children's holiday party in the Bldg. 220 "wash rack."

The party, which was hosted by wing, group and squadron spouses as well as the Airman and Family Readiness Center, included a fun-filled day complete with a rock wall, obstacle course, face painting, picture coloring, bean bag toss and bouncy castle to name a few.

But the biggest surprise of all was a visit by Saint Nick himself, who came rolling up to the wash rack in an E-3 Sentry Airborne and Control System aircraft and descended down the chimney, er steps, before spending more than an hour posing for pictures with children and memorizing their Christmas wish lists.

This year's Santa Claus was played by none other than retired Master Sgt. Mark Hamblin, whose daughter-in-law, Lauren, has served as the event coordinator for the past two years and has been involved with the event for the past three years.

Mrs. Hamblin, whose husband, 1st Lt. Josh Hamblin, is an air weapons officer with the 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron, said she has worked closely since June with Tech. Sgt. Bob Carroll, a member of the 552nd Air Control Network Squadron; Diane Rauch, wife of 552nd ACW Commander Col. John Rauch; the 552nd ACW Protocol Office; the various spouses groups; and the A&FRC to ensure the event's success.

Sergeant Carroll said this was his third year as the military point of contact for the event. He said his experience over the past few years allowed him to solicit about 100 volunteers to help with the setup, security and transportation.

"I've been taking my kids to this party for a very long time and it's great to help out and provide this to them and all of the other kids," Sergeant Carroll said.

In addition to the children, the other big winner at this year's event was the Tinker Food Pantry. Every child who attended Saturday was asked to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to the local charity.

"I really love the idea of being able to help our own and what a better way than help with food," Mrs. Hamblin said.

According to Courtney Engle, wife of 552nd ACW Vice Commander Col. Thomas Engle and Food Pantry volunteer, this year's event helped raise 234 donations when all was said and done.

Colonel Rauch said the children's holiday party is something the wing looks forward to every year and that the efforts of so many volunteers is what helps to ensure its success.

"This year's event was an incredible success," Colonel Rauch exclaimed. "The team of volunteers delivered an amazing variety of activities that brought smiles to the faces of more than 400 children."