Angel Tree allows Team Whiteman to give back

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keenan Berry
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  It is that time of year - when giving to make someone else's holiday special means even more than usual. One way Whiteman makes that goal possible is through the Angel Tree, which is sponsored by the First Sergeants Council to help children enjoy gifts donated by the base populace.

Whiteman first sergeants are encouraging Airmen to donate gifts to put smiles on children's faces.

"The Angel Tree program is designed to help provide an enjoyable holiday season to the children of Whiteman Airmen and their families," said Master Sgt. Tina Carroll, 709th Munitions Squadron first sergeant. "Every gift counts!"

The process for donating is simple, safe and secure.

"In order to sponsor an angel, simply select an angel from the tree and purchase a gift that the angel may need or want," said Carroll. "Then return the wrapped gift with the angel attached to the tree at the Base Exchange. Throughout the week, a first sergeant will collect the returned gifts. Once all of the gifts are collected, they will be returned to each squadron's first sergeant and handed out to the families before Dec. 19."

The first sergeants said they enjoy supporting their Airmen's families to ensure they have a joyous holiday.

"As first sergeants, we are dedicated to supporting Team Whiteman," said Master Sgt. Lafoundra Thompson, 509th Operations Group first sergeant. "This includes active duty, Guard, Reserve, civil servants and most importantly, the families. With the Angel Tree program, the focus is on not just the family as a unit, but specifically on the children to ensure they have a most joyful Christmas holiday."

Helping and supporting fellow Airmen is a vital part of the mission at which first sergeants thrive. Helping out a family is a simple, yet powerful, way to show that support, as well as give back to Whiteman.

"The Whiteman First Sergeants Council thanks each and every volunteer for helping out with this wonderful cause," said Carroll. "Without everyone's help and dedication, this program could not exist."
For more information, call Carroll at 660-687-8153.