Hurlburt holds annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jeff Parkinson
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  As the sun set, families gathered at the air park, here, to await the start of the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Winter Wonderland festivities, Dec. 2.

Col. Sean Farrell, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, kicked off the celebration.

“The holidays are a time for all Air Commandos and their families to reflect on the blessings we share, particularly the peace we enjoy because of the selfless work and dedication of our armed forces and our Airmen,” Farrell said. “Let’s ask for one more blessing -- the safe return of all our deployed Airmen. May we focus all our thoughts on them, their families and each other during this wonderful holiday season.”

Deployed member’s families placed yellow ribbons on the Christmas tree and the winners of the holiday greeting card contest were announced.

“The yellow ribbons on the tree represent all the spouses, dads and moms, and loved ones deployed around the world,” said Robert Scott, community center director and event coordinator with the 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron.

Finally, the time came for the lighting of the tree. Scott counted down… three, two, one and sparks from a pyrotechnic display lit up the night sky.

Once the Christmas tree was lit, Santa Claus arrived by fire truck to greet the children and listen to their wants and wishes this holiday season.

For Tech. Sgt. Heather Walker, training NCO in-charge with the 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony was the first she and her family had experienced at Hurlburt Field.

“It was much bigger than I thought,” Walker said. “My children really enjoyed the fireworks and the face painting.”

The winter wonderland celebration included food, pictures with Santa, a movie and many more activities.