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Holiday cheer

  • Published
  • By Veronica Sandate Craker
  • Northwest Guardian
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  
Holiday trees on Lewis Main and McChord Field were lit, along with a menorah, to kick off the holiday season at Joint Base Lewis-McChord last week.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Commander Daniel S. Morgan attended both events last week to help with festivities.

"This period of the year is a time for all of us to reflect back and be thankful about what we have," Morgan said. "Not only in our own families, but also with our friends, our fellow service members and the ones who are deployed."

Kids in attendance were able to get in on the fun as Morgan asked them to help him light the trees and menorah. He was also assisted by Col. Ethan Griffin, 62nd Airlift Wing vice commander.

"The holiday season is an opportunity for us to get together and be grateful," Griffin said. "We join up together -- Army, Air Force, civilian and family -- and work together toward a common purpose and that's what we should also be thankful for."

Griffin added that everyone should be grateful for their freedoms that service members fight to protect.

"That's what allows us to get together here and talk about whatever faith it is we represent," he said.

Major Sylvan Smith, 555th Engineer Brigade, brought her three-year-old son Gunnar to the tree lighting at Lewis Main. The heavy rain did not deter them from attending. This is the family's first holiday season at JBLM.

"This year, it's a little bit difficult because my husband, his father, is TDY on a mission. So we're trying to do more to bring the holiday spirit in," Smith said. "I'm looking forward to being able to spend a couple of quiet days together and just make our own family traditions."

Santa Claus made an appearance at both lighting ceremonies and brought goodies for all the children of JBLM. On McChord Field Dec. 1, he rode in on a dune buggy decorated with holiday lights and was escorted by two elves. For the Lewis Main event Dec. 3, Santa chose to arrive in style on board a JBLM firetruck.

If you missed the events, you can visit the Lewis Main tree in front of Jensen Gym on Pendleton Avenue between South Division Street and Sixth Street. The McChord Field menorah and holiday tree are across from the Chapel Support Center on Col. Jackson Boulevard.

"I know all of you go about celebrating these holidays in different ways, and I wish you all the best," Morgan said. "I hope you have a safe holiday and vacation."