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The holidays can be a lonely time for troops stationed abroad, but American service members refuse to let distance dampen the season. Through acts of generosity, community engagement, and simple traditions, they bring the joy of the holidays to remote communities, host families, and children in need, proving that holiday spirit knows no borders.
Operation Christmas Drop – Bringing Supplies and Smiles Across the Pacific
In 1951, the aircrew of a WB-29 aircraft was flying over an island off of Guam when they saw the villagers looking up at the plane and waving their hands. As an act of goodwill, the crew dropped supplies they had in the plane out with parachutes. This one-time exercise has transformed into an annual humanitarian event for the Department of War. During this operation, the Air Force drops hundreds of pounds of critical supplies to remote communities throughout the Pacific. Not only is this an act of generosity, but it is a crucial training exercise for low-level flying throughout the Indo-Pacific. The Vice President of the United Federation of Micronesia, Aren Palik, believes that this exercise is truly indicative of strong Indo-Pacific partnerships. Air Force Col. Richard McElhaney, 374th Airlift Wing commander said: “These bundles supply 56,000 people across 59 islands each year, but I don't think we can truly grasp that impact until we see the families wave and jump up and down in excitement as we fly by…while this is an amazing humanitarian mission, it's also an invaluable training event for participating aircrews. This training, and the work we do here, matters and translates to our readiness.”
Operation Good Cheer – Bridging Military and Civilian Families in Germany
As the temperatures drop and days grow cold, the German winter is dreary. The loneliness of being away from family during the holidays can exacerbate winter blues to utter misery. Established in the 1970s, Operation Good Cheer exists to both combat this and bridge the civilian-military gap. This program matches single and geographically separated service members with a German “host” family. It kicks off with a meet and greet over an American-style dinner. Service members and families get to know each other and share Christmas traditions. These families spend time with the service member throughout the holiday season. One participant in the program said: “Christmas is a very sensitive time for Germans…it’s the holiday within Germany, and opening a door during Christmas for a foreign soldier, for a foreign person, means a lot to a German family.” Some service members end up forging long-term friendships with their host families, doing activities year-round and staying in touch for decades.
Toys for Tots – Marines Deliver Joy to Children at Home
Since 1947, the Marine Corps reserve has spearheaded one of the largest programs in America for providing gifts to less-fortunate children. For the three months leading up to Christmas, community members will donate toys. This three months is intended to be a time of fostering community engagement and bonding. Marines will collect the toys and then distribute them to children in need. Since 2001, Toys for Tots has been ranked a top rated charity by “Philanthropy 400”.
From remote islands to foreign towns to neighborhoods back home, American service members make the holidays brighter, proving that generosity, connection, and camaraderie don’t recognize borders. The spirit of the season lives in every gift delivered, every meal shared, and every tradition kept alive by those in uniform.
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