934th airlift wing members lift spirits during Operation Santa

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Bob Sommer
  • 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Minneapolis-St. Paul --  Members of the 934th Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve, lifted the spirits of about 20 special individuals in Eau Claire, Wis. Saturday by granting their wish to visit Santa at the "North Pole".

Operation Santa is an annual event sponsored by the ATT Telephone Pioneers of Eau Claire and supported by the men and women of the 934th AW. During the event, special needs children are taken aboard a 934th C-130 and after a 20 minute taxi ride around the field, are greeted by Santa at the "North Pole". The children are then treated to an afternoon of visiting with Santa, opening gifts and feasting on holiday treats.

This year marks the 12th consecutive year for the event. Master Sgt. James Courneya, 96th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, has been on six of them. "I think of this event all year. Planning starts in August and goes right into December. "These guys will remember this the rest of their lives, I'm glad I was able to help make it happen."

Staff Sgt. Jason Bardwell, 27th Aerial Port Squadron was on his first Operation Santa mission. "Seeing the smiles and gratitude on the kids faces meant as much to us as I know our visit meant to them. I had heard a lot about this flight. Now I will be asking to come back next year."