It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
  • Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  More than 60 Malmstrom Airmen and their families attended the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Grizzly Bend Club Dec. 3.

"It was great seeing so many people come out and enjoy themselves," said Rick King, 341st Force Support Squadron community services assistant manager. "A lot of coordination went into this event and I'm glad it was such a success."

The festivities began as the onlookers gathered around the light-adorned tree outside the club. As everyone waited anticipating the Christmas lights, beams of red and white blared from behind them as oncoming fire trucks approached. Children's eyes brightened as Santa Claus stepped out of one of the trucks, followed closely by Mrs. Claus. Col. Michael Fortney, 341st Missile Wing commander and his wife, Karen, greeted Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and proceeded toward the front of the crowd to begin the ceremony.

After the invocation was given by 341st Missile Wing Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Mike Gilbert, Colonel Fortney gave a few words of encouragement and thanked everyone for coming. He then invited Santa to give the tree-lighting countdown.

The crowd joined in counting down the numbers, and as they struck one, the tree lights of blue, red, green and orange illuminated the tree.

"The tree lighting always brings the community together, especially since most of us are far away from our homes," said Chaplain Gilbert. "This is the time of year where days grow darker and colder. The ceremony brings gifts of light. We see the wonder in children's smiles, and it's a time for kindness and giving."

Immediately following the tree lighting ceremony, everyone gathered in the Grizzly Bend Club ballroom to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.

As a part of the ceremony, the club held an annual cookie contest and holiday greeting card contest. The winners of both contests were announced by Chief Master Sgt. Cari Kent, 341st Missile Wing command chief.

The 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron won first place in the holiday greeting card competition, the 341st Security Forces Group took second and the 819th RED HORSE Squadron took third.

The cookie competition was split into an adult and youth category. Spencer and Cameron Heyward won first place for the youth cookie contest. For the adult competition, Chip Davis, Outdoor Recreation small engine mechanic, won first place.

After the announcement of the winning cards and cookies, guests joined carolers in the singing of "Silent Night," and continued to mingle and socialize for the duration of the evening.

"The base tree lighting ceremony was a great example of one of the life lessons I try to share with my kids," said Lt. Col. Gregory Rosenmerkel, 819th RED HORSE commander. "It was a bit chilly, but coming together as a community, even in adversity, is part of what being American and being in the military is all about. The message is especially important at Christmas time, and as we reflect on our gifts from God and prayers for peace on earth."

"I think my kids would tell you that the most memorable thing was having hot chocolate and cookies before dinner," Colonel Rosenmerkel said.