Cookies to bring holiday cheer to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Volunteers from Team Minot are preparing to collect more than 12,000 cookies Dec. 11 to give out to Airmen this holiday season.

"It's a cookie collection for all single Airmen living in the dorms that won't be making it home for the holidays," said Rebecca Sasseville, wife of Lt. Col. Andrew Sasseville, 91st Security Forces Group deputy group commander. "As a young single Airmen living in the dormitories, it can be a challenging time during the holiday season, so we're trying to bring holiday cheer to them."

Last year, volunteers packaged more than 800 trays of goodies for Airmen and are looking to hit that number or higher this year.

"There is no such thing as too many cookies," Mrs. Sasseville said. "If we do have excess, there are already plans to put those to good use."

As is tradition, the cookies will be picked up and distributed by the base's first sergeants, who are eager to help their Airmen.

"What a fantastic holiday program," said Master Sgt. Lowell Cormier, 5th Forces Support Squadron first sergeant. "For some Airmen, this may be their first time away from home during the holidays; what a great opportunity for Minot AFB and the local community to welcome them to our family."

The enthusiasm displayed by the first sergeants is echoed throughout the base and surrounding areas.

"This is a total Team Minot effort," Mrs. Sasseville said. "We have people from all across the board: active duty personnel, spouses, mother and daughter teams, businesses, the base commissary, the Minot Chamber of Commerce and many more. That's one of the plus sides about Minot -- everyone wants to help."

"This is an incredibly important holiday tradition here at Minot AFB," said Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander. "It's a great opportunity to spread some cheer to those Airmen who can't be with their families for the holidays. I appreciate all of you who donate to make someone's holiday a bit brighter!"

For people who would like to get involved, Mrs. Sasseville said there is a role for everyone; all people have to do is call 727-5005 and ask.

People who have baked cookies can drop them off Dec. 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Dock 9. For people unable to make those times, they can call the number listed above to make other arrangements. Additionally, the Minot Chamber of Commerce is a drop off point. Their deadline is 4:30 p.m. Dec. 8.

"Although small in token, it's the thought that counts," Mrs. Sasseville said. "It shows the Airmen we care about them and they are part of our family this holiday season."