Operation Holiday Cheer kicks off

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  With the holiday season right around the corner, finding activities to do can be scarce in central Montana as temperatures drop and snow begins to fall. The Malmstrom Air Force Base first sergeants have a solution to those winter blues: Operation Holiday Cheer.

Operation Holiday Cheer is a five-week "extravaganza" open to all Department of Defense ID card holders who are 18 years or older and are stationed at Malmstrom. The fun and friendly competition aims to foster camaraderie and teamwork by spreading holiday cheer throughout the base.

"The first sergeants put in a tremendous amount of work promoting, scheduling, organizing and coordinating various activities during Operation Holiday Cheer every year," said Master Sgt. Steven Norris, 341st Operations Group first sergeant. "We also work closely with Katrina Cichosz, the Force Support Squadron commercial sponsorship coordinator. Although it is primarily the first sergeant's association that hosts [Operation Holiday Cheer], many base organizations such as the Air Force Sergeants' Association and the Airman's Council contribute."

Wrapping up Operation Holiday Cheer will be a finale party Dec. 20 at the Grizzly Bend where the grand prize - a one-year ski pass - will be given away, along with various prizes.

"Our Airmen work very hard at Malmstrom and the mission they execute is one of the most demanding missions within our Air Force," Norris said. "The Airmen deserve the time to relax and enjoy their downtime throughout this holiday season and we have a responsibility to help and provide the ability for them to do so."

Although the first event, a scavenger hunt, has already taken place, Team Malmstrom members still have a chance to participate in three more competitions. In order to be eligible for the grand prize, attendees must participate in at least one of the following events:

4-on-4 volleyball tournament
A 4-on-4 volleyball tournament is scheduled for today from 5 to 7 p.m. at the fitness center basketball courts. The first place team will receive $160, second place will receive $100 and third place will receive $40.

4-on-4 airsoft tournament
A 4-on-4 airsoft tournament is scheduled for Dec. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the fitness center lower gym. The first place team will receive $160, second place will receive $100 and third place will receive $40.

Dodge ball tournament
A five-person team dodge ball tournament is scheduled for Dec. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the fitness center basketball courts. The first place team will receive $150; second place will receive $100 and third place will receive $50.

For more information or to sign up for an event, go to www.341fss.com.