Angel, or guardian Airman

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander, picks the first ornament from the Angel Tree at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Nov. 21, 2013. Each ornament has the name and wish list of a child whose family may not be able to provide gifts during the holidays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron J. Jenne)

Angel, or guardian Airman

The Angel Tree and donation boxes are set up at the entrance of the Xchange to help provide gifts for children this holiday season at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Nov. 21, 2013. Members of the Company Grade Officers’ Council sponsor the event annually and first sergeants provide the names of children and families who may benefit from this program during the holidays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron J. Jenne)

Angel, or guardian Airman

Published Nov. 25, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Aaron J. Jenne
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Editor's Note: The Seymour Johnson Company Grade Officer's Council is a Private Organization. It is not a part of the Department of Defense or any of its components and it has no governmental status.

It's that time of year again, and members of the Company Grade Officers' Council are trying to make the holiday season special for families on the installation, especially those in need of a helping hand.

The council sets up a tree at the Xchange each year to help families in need give gifts to their children during the holidays through the generosity of community members.

"In the Air Force, and at Seymour Johnson, we take care of our wingman year-round, but with the help of the Angel Tree program, it makes it that much easier for us to embrace generosity and the spirit of giving," said Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander. "Airmen are putting in hard work to support this awesome program so those who need a little extra joy during the holiday season receive it. I salute their effort and kindness."

Team Seymour first sergeants suggest names of Airmen with families struggling financially during the holiday season. The children's names are placed on an ornament, along with their wish list, and hung on a tree at the Xchange. Airmen can choose an ornament from the tree to make sure every child has gifts under their tree. Gifts purchased need to be placed, unwrapped, in the donation boxes at the base of the angel tree with the ornament taped to them.

"It's very important to take care of Airmen and their families during the holidays, especially in these uncertain times," said Senior Master Sgt. Donald Huston, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "We want to make sure every child can enjoy the holidays no matter what their family's financial situation is."

This year, 55 names have been submitted and placed on the tree to date. First sergeants may continue submitting names through Dec. 6, and members can donate through Dec. 13.

"The angel tree promotes a positive environment for teamwork and boosts morale during the holidays," said 2nd Lt. Coryn Wilson, 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron traffic management office chief and Angel Tree project head. "My wish is that, through this program, every child will have a great holiday season."