Laughlin’s Christmas tree lighting

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Travis Antoniono
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin members and their children gathered near Laughlin's chapel for a Christmas tree lighting celebration, Dec. 1.

With the crowd bundled in flight jackets and ABU fleeces, they embraced the weather with hot chocolate in hand, provided by the wing chapel.

From "Joy to the World" to "Deck the Halls," Laughlin members caroled joyously to bring in the holiday season.

"Many of us are far from home and we want to have plenty of programs like this that bring an abundance of holiday cheer! People are going to know the holidays are here," said Chaplain (Maj.) Dwayne Keener, 47th Flying Training Wing chapel, minutes before the tree was lit.

"It is important that we take time during this holiday period to spend with loved ones," said Col. Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander.

Col. Frankel said this is a time where one can reflect on the past and anticipate the future. He is confident that all Laughlin members will continue to build and grow this base into something bigger and stronger than what it was when they first arrived.

The crowd participated in a countdown from 10 to zero. As the countdown came to an end, the crowd cheered as the lights from the Christmas tree were lit.

Shortly after, to all the children's excitement, Santa was seen riding in one of Laughlin's fire trucks while being escorted by the 47th Security Forces Squadron

With the tree lit and songs caroled, the crowd headed off to meet Santa as his big red sleigh landed at Laughlin's Club XL. There, children were able to meet him and even give a tug on the old white beard.

"I like the lights and I love Santa," said Gaby Moore, daughter of 47th Operations Support Squadron members, Capt. Jennifer Moore and Capt. Robert Moore.