Santas in Blue 2017
By Airman 1st Class Giovanni Sims, 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
/ Published December 14, 2017
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE Ariz. --
TUCSON, Ariz., -- Volunteers from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base donated gifts to children from the Tohono O’odham Nation Indian Reservation through the annual Santas in Blue program.
This year, over 100 children from pre-K to 12th grade, were grinning from ear-to-ear when Santa Claus showed up at San Xavier Mission School making their Christmas wishes a reality.
“Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces truly warms the heart,” said Col. Chad Balettie, 355th Fighter Wing vice commander. “It shows what the holidays are all about – giving.”
The schools had each child create a wish list of two or three items they would like Santa to bring them and every year since 1965, the Desert Lightning Team has sponsored a child by fulfilling their requests.
“This is our way of giving back to the community,” said Master Sgt. Travis Merriman this year’s Santas in Blue coordinator. “The Air Force as a whole is reaching out to the community and being a part of their lives.”
D-M’s Santas in Blue program also donated toys to children at Santa Rosa Day School, Santa Rosa Ranch School, San Simon and Indian Oasis Primary Campus in Sells, Ariz.