2017 base tree lighting brightens up the holidays

Alaina Lara, daughter of Senior Airman Ashley Sammelman, a metals technician assigned to the 28th Maintenance Squadron, reaches for one of the Christmas tree lights during the Base Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 1, 2017. This annual event provides Airmen and their families a chance to celebrate the holiday season with their community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

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2017 base tree lighting brightens up the holidays

A musician plays guitar during the Base Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 1, 2017. The 28th Bomb Wing Chaplain Corps hosts this event annually, providing Airmen and their families a chance to celebrate the holiday season with the base community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

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2017 base tree lighting brightens up the holidays

Ellsworth families take a moment to pray before kicking off the Base Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 1, 2017. This annual event helps start off the holiday season by celebrating several religious holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

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2017 base tree lighting brightens up the holidays

Chief Master Sgt. Adam Vizi, the 28th Bomb Wing command chief, and Col. John Edwards, the 28th BW commander, welcome Airmen and family members to the Base Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 1, 2017. The event included speeches from distinguished visitors, a surprise visit from Santa Claus, holiday music and seasonal treats for all who attended the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

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2017 base tree lighting brightens up the holidays

Ellsworth family members gather around The Freedom Chapel Christmas tree during the Base Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 1, 2017. Children of deployed Airmen joined both Col. John Edwards, the 28th Bomb Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Adam Vizi, the 28th BW command chief, in flipping a switch to light up the Christmas tree. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

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2017 base tree lighting brightens up the holidays

Santa Claus gave a surprise visit for children of Ellsworth during the Base Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 1, 2017. After his arrival, families where led inside where children were able to sit on Santa’s lap, receive some holiday candy, and tell him their Christmas wishes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

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2017 base tree lighting brightens up the holidays

Airmen and their families enjoy a holiday feast during the Base Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 1, 2017. The 28th Bomb Wing Chaplain Corps hosts this event annually to bring the base community together during the holiday season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

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2017 base tree lighting brightens up the holidays

Children were provided an opportunity to create holiday-themed crafts during the Base Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 1, 2017. The 28th Bomb Wing Chaplain Corps hosts this event annually, allowing children the opportunity to see Santa Claus and families a chance to celebrate the holiday season with their military community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

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2017 base tree lighting brightens up the holidays

Children line up to meet Santa Claus and tell him what they want for Christmas during the Base Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 1, 2017. The 28th Bomb Wing Chapel provided refreshments, cookies and candy canes to the children and families who attended the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

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2017 base tree lighting brightens up the holidays

Published Dec. 6, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Alaina Lara, daughter of Senior Airman Ashley Sammelman, a metals technician assigned to the 28th Maintenance Squadron, reaches for one of the Christmas tree lights during the Base Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 1, 2017. This annual event provides Airmen and their families a chance to celebrate the holiday season with their community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)