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Santas in Blue 2017

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Giovanni Sims
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
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.