Tree lighting ceremony kicks off holidays

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cortney Paxton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Countless members of Team Malmstrom gathered at the Grizzly Bend on Nov. 29 to watch this year's tree lighting ceremony. The ceremony kicked off the base's winter holiday celebrations, providing an enjoyable and safe way for Airmen and their dependants to spend time together with their families and other Airmen.

Following the arrival of Santa Claus, Rick King, 341st Force Support Squadron Grizzly Bend manager, kicked off the ceremony by welcoming everyone who attended. He then passed the microphone to Col. Robert Stanley, 341st Missile Wing vice commander, who acknowledged the importance of the holidays before the tree was lit.

"What a fantastic night to be here at Malmstrom Air Force Base," he said. "I'd like to formally, on behalf of Col. H.B. Brual ... say thank you to each and every one of you who came out here tonight to help us celebrate this fantastic moment. I'd like to ask all of you - especially the kids in the crowd - to help your mom and dad make this time go as slowly as it possibly can. This should be the best time of the year for all of us, and for those of you in uniform with your better halves here, please take some time with your families to rejuvenate your relationship, to spend time with each other, and be grateful and thankful for all of the love that surrounds each one of us."

After the trees outside of the Grizzly Bend were lit with many different colors, and the star on top of the largest one was shining, everyone in attendance headed inside to enjoy snacks, holiday music and good company. While inside, children were able to visit Santa and the winners of the Holiday Card Contest were announced.

The Holiday Card Contest was split into two different categories to enter - by squadron or family - and each was judged on theme, artistic appreciation and originality. There were five entries in the unit category, and three in the family category.

Maj. Sabrina Jones, 341st FSS commander, with help from Stanley, announced the winners in each category, which are listed below with their titles:

UNIT WINNERS:

· 1st Place - 819th RED HORSE Squadron "Nightmare Before Christmas - Holiday Greeting"
· 2nd Place - 12th Missile Squadron "Red Dawg Holidays Delivering Deterrence and Joy"
· 3rd Place - 341st Medical Support Squadron "Jolly Santa"

FAMILY WINNERS:
· 1st Place - Voetberg Family "We Three Kings AKA The Wise Guys"
· 2nd Place - Dunn Family "Happy Holidays from SF Santa and Rudolph"
· 3rd Place - Melanie Campbell "Girl Scout Christmas"

All of the cards will be up on display through New Years to help keep Team Malmstrom in the holiday spirit.

Stanley made a few closing remarks to the audience at the ceremony, highlighting the need for families to appreciate each other, especially around the holidays.

"I want to thank everyone for helping us start this holiday season off in the right way and enjoy the cookies, enjoy the punch, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and camaraderie, but most of all, spend some time with your families," he said. "Again, this holiday season is no better time to stop and take a look at what you've got and give a hug to your loved ones. Happy Holidays everyone!"