Christmas in July for Laughlin Airmen Published July 6, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Laughlin's first sergeants are going above and beyond to make sure that Christmas comes twice for some and their Airmen are well taken care of. Christmas in July is a first-time program that provides gifts to 25 enlisted Airmen who are between the ranks of airman basic and senior airman and have children. "The first sergeants always give back to those that need it during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. We wanted the Airman to know that we care for them all year," said Master Sgt. Nick Kurpier, 47th Medical Group first sergeant. "We wanted to be able to give them a little extra in the middle of the year. It gives them a little financial boost during the summer." A $25 commissary voucher and a $25 Army and Air Force Exchange Service voucher will be given out to 25 Airmen distributed evenly throughout each group within the 47th Flying Training Wing. Master Sgt. James Escher, 47th Mission Support Group first sergeant, said that Christmas in July is an extension of Operation Jingle, which is held every year during the traditional holiday season. "Operation Jingle is a program that the first sergeants run that helps out Laughlin families who could use some assistance during the holiday season," said Escher. "However, Christmas in July recognizes that the holidays aren't the only times when some of our members could use some assistance." Additionally, Laughlin's current first sergeants can take credit for implementing the philanthropic program since this is the first year it has been done. "Anything we can do to help Airman, we will go out of our way to do," said Kurpier. "Nothing brings us greater joy than to help people out."