First Sergeants, commonly referred to as Shirts, take on many roles, often behind the scenes. During the holidays, the base Shirts take on even more by ensuring Airmen and their families have a little bit of extra support, and presents too! Their annual Holiday Wishing Tree Program served over seven dozen base kids this year!
Granting Christmas gifts to Airmen’s children, Holiday Wishing Tree helps bring a little extra joy to those who receive and those who give. Master Sergeant Stephanie Hubbard, 5th Munitions Squadron, one of the coordinators for the whole project, said that the best part of the whole experience is “giving members the gifts, they are often not expecting them and they are very grateful.” She explained how the joy radiates on their face and it makes the whole process worth it.
The Holiday Wishing Tree program works very similar to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree in that in the weeks before Christmas, a basewide notification is sent out requesting nominations of families to bless with gifts this year. While people can and are welcome to sign-up themselves, MSgt Hubbard explained that most of the time people don’t like to ask for gifts themselves, even if they are struggling. She mentioned that there is no stipulation to be nominated and gift donations are open to all base families of all ranks.
Once nominations are received, the Shirts gather the info about the children’s ages, needs, wants and wishes. They then send it out to the base community to help and purchase the gifts for all the kiddos. MSgt Hubbard explained that “AAFES allowed us to put up a tree in the entrance area of the BX as well as a sign at the Shoppette with a QR code for sponsors to sign up. We also posted it on the Minot AFB Spouses Facebook page. This year we did digital sign-ups to help prevent the traditional tags that are usually used from getting lost as that has happened in the past.” She said that this year they have gifts for 84 base kids: “We are overwhelmed with gifts this year, which is a good thing!” She also mentioned that Operation Warm Heart always covers the cost for gifts that may not have been covered by the base community.
On Dec 20, the team of Shirts went around base surprising Airmen by presenting them with gifts for their children. Each took gifts to the members in his/her own squadron, offering a personal touch. This year MSgt Hubbard said that one Airman expressed how they have had a rough year with two deaths in the family recently, saying, “I didn’t know how I was going to make this year special for my daughter. With everything that has happened, it’s been hard to find the energy and motivation to make the holiday season feel joyful and magical. I am very thankful to those who helped.”
Huge thanks goes out to this dedicated team of First Shirts who dedicated their time, effort and energy to making sure the Airmens and families on MAFB are supported. Thanks for making Holiday wishes come true!
