Santa visits Beale

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  More than 500 families attended Beale's annual Children's Holiday Party here Dec. 7.

The holiday event featured elves arriving by a MC-12 Liberty, The Grinch by a fire truck and Santa via a U-2 Dragon Lady.

"Beale tends to go extra mile for the children's holiday party," said Master Sgt. Nicholas Sady, 9th Munitions Squadron, who was one of the event organizers. "Everyone really gets into the holiday spirit."

The Dagon Lady also featured special holiday nose-art painted by Beale Airmen.

Families which made the trip out to Dock 6 on Beale's flight-line were also treated to a "White Christmas."

"As soon as the aircraft started to taxi in, it started to snow," said Sady. "It's something the children will remember for a long time."

Children in attendance played in bounce houses, decorated arts and crafts, toured static displays of aircraft, as well as took photos with Santa.

"This event seems to get better and better every year," said Jay Pendergraph, 9th Security Forces Squadron, who has been fulfilling the role of Santa Claus for several years. "It's something I look forward to every year."

Every child also received a gift from a collection of more than 2,000 pre-wrapped presents donated by Toys for the Troops, a non-profit organization that provides holiday toys to the children of overseas/deployed military members.

"I think we made every kid's day," Sady said. "In my opinion, the event was perfect."