Santa surprises kids at maintenance party

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Amy Crain
  • 452 MOS/MXOS
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  Santa Claus and an elf descended upon the 452nd Maintenance Group Christmas party, which was held in the newly renovated building 355, Dec. 6. Col. Robert Stormes, 452nd Maintenance Group commander, and Maj. William Kelley, 452nd Maintenance Operations Squadron commander, and unit members were treated to a memorable, fun-filled festive party that had something for everybody.

Party emcee Senior Master Sgt. Kent Johnson said, "Christmas is all about family and so is the maintenance group." Those words were evident with the number of families and the more than 30 children present, ranging in age from six months to 16 years. Squadron retirees and their families also attended the party.

Squadron members magically transformed the interior of the building into a Christmas wonderland banquet hall with a with sparkling decorations and balloons.

The children decorated sugar cookies, holiday ornaments, and made bracelets and crafts station Major Kelley's wife, Guitar Hero and Rock Band had a special room of their own. Three served an abundance of food and punch flowed from an illuminated three-tiered fountain.

At the beginning of the party, Senior Master Sgt. Kent Johnson introduced Major Kelley and his family. Master Sgt. Michael Kacsmaryk then shared touching words of blessing and squadron members took a moment of silence to honor the memory of Master Sgt. Armando Gonzales, beloved member of the 452nd Maintenance Squadron, who recently passed away.

Toward the end of the meal, Santa Claus (played by Tech. Sgt. A.J. Lundgren) delighted the children with a surprise appearance. Assisting Santa was Tech. Sgt. Jill Morse, dressed as an elf.

Santa shook hands and greeted guests as he made his way between tables to his chair where he sat and read the classic "The Night before Christmas" with animation to all the excited children. Their tiny faces lit up with wonder and anticipation as Santa called them to him, one by one, by name, to hand out personalized stockings. Staff Sgt. Raelene Espinoza made this surprise possible by handwriting each child's name on the stockings and filling them ahead of time.

Other squadron members who made the party possible were: Tech. Sgt. Tess Bertani (party photographer), Master Sgt. Kacsmaryk (led the musical entertainment and loaned the sound equipment), to Senior Airman Kareemah Mata (performed a stir¬ring rendition of "O Holy Night") and the many volunteers

After singing favorite holiday carols, the Mystifying Vangilder (Staff Sgt. Jason Vanglider) made his magician debut, dazzling children and adults alike with his card tricks, levitation and illusions.

As the party wound down, Sergeant Johnson, well known throughout the squadron for his brilliant and witty banter, announced the ticket winners of door prizes. The gamut of gifts included a convection oven, gift cards, small appliances, electronic gadgets, wine and a luggage set.

The party reflected the true nature of Christmas and squadron members in that squadron members and their families left feeling an overwhelming sense of family, camaraderie and esprit de corps.