Lighting ceremony marks beginning of holiday season for Team Whiteman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  With the first snow fall in the area just days before, more than 400 members of Team Whiteman and their families attended Whiteman's Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting ceremony Dec. 2 at the Mission's End marking the beginning of the holiday season here. 

"The best wing in the Air Force deserves the best Christmas and the best tree lighting in the Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, 509th Bomb Wing commander. "And as the wing commander, I am ordering Santa to bring all the children whatever they want for Christmas." 

The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony takes place each year during the first week of December. This year is the second that a Menorah was lit in conjunction with the Christmas Tree. 

Following his remarks, the general invited three children to help him pull the switch and light the Christmas Tree. On the count of five, the four threw the switch and officially kicked off the start of the Christmas season here.

 Immediately after the ceremony, Santa Claus himself arrived on a fire truck with police escort. Everyone was invited to the Mission's End for a night of holiday music, refreshments, Children's bingo and visits with Santa. 

Many organizations came together to make this event a huge success, said Meladee Bay, Airman and Family Readiness Services chief. "This is a great fun family event that keeps getting bigger and better with the wonderful support we receive." 

Ms. Bay sends a special thank you to all the agencies and sponsors involved with the Christmas tree lighting as well as everyone who attended the ceremony.