Malmstrom first sergeants host Operation Holiday Cheer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MONT. --  During the month of December here at Malmstrom, the first sergeants step it up into high gear to put on Operation Holiday Cheer.

Operation Holiday Cheer is a two-week event hosted by the combined efforts of the first sergeants, the 341st Force Support Squadron and the Great Falls community. The event has several fun and festive competitions for all Department of Defense ID card holders on base who are18 years or older.

"Wing supported events help the morale of all Malmstrom members, which in turn supports the mission," said Master Sgt. Micheal Filipovich, 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant and Operation Holiday Cheer point of contact. Operation Holiday Cheer is the first sergeants' way to get people out during holidays, she continued.

Filipovich has been involved in the event in the past, but this is her first year planning Operation Holiday Cheer. With the help of her wingman, Senior Master Sgt. Eric Butt, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, they have planned several activities people are interested in, as well as varying the days and times for the competitions so there is something available for everyone.

The first event to take place this year will be a scavenger hunt Dec.4-6.

Teams of two to six people will have the weekend to complete the scavenger hunt list which may require teams to hunt for specific items within the community and on base.

Items may either be physically collected or photographed, depending on the list. Also, teams have the opportunity to gain extra points by gathering items door-to-door to donate to the Great Falls Food Bank.

Items collected will be awarded points on Dec. 6 to determine first, second and third place winning teams to receive cash prizes ranging from $120 to $300.

Other events to follow will be a wallyball tournament on Dec. 9 and a nine-pin, no-tap bowling tournament on Dec. 15, also with cash prizes.

"Events like this help raise the morale, especially for Airmen that this is their first year away from home," said Filipovich.

A grand prize drawing for a trip to Yellowstone National Park is eligible for all participants based off the number of events participated in. The winner will be announced at the Wing Holiday Celebration on Dec. 18.

Sponsors within the local community donated the prizes.

Free events like the scavenger hunt help Airmen get acquainted with on base and local opportunities they didn't know was there, said Filipovich.

"People just don't utilize the free programs as much as they should," said Filipovich.

The events boost moral, foster camaraderie, promote good communication and team work, and provide an opportunity to spread holiday cheer.

"Overall, we just want people to come out and have fun," said Filipovich.

To sign up for any of the Operation Holiday Cheer events, visit the 341st FSS website, or go to http://341fss.com/holidaycheer