Christmas trees come to Ellsworth

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Outdoor Recreation received 293 Christmas trees, which were donated by Kansas tree growers to Ellsworth families, Dec. 3, as part of the "Trees for Airmen" program.

Once the trees arrived, spouses of deployed Airmen were given first pick.

"My son is happy we are getting a real tree this year," said Sarah Sanders, wife of Master Sgt. William Sanders - who should be home in time for Christmas. "I'm really happy we heard about this program. It really helps during the holidays."

Another organization which lent a helping hand to the event was the Company Grade Officer Council. 1st Lt. Paul Parmenter, 28th Comptroller and Contracting Squadron financial management flight commander and CGOC president, said Ellsworth Airmen and their families can benefit from the Trees for Airmen program.

"It's a good program," he said. "With our current operations tempo, Airmen may not have time to get the holiday decorations they need. Plus, it's free."

Lieutenant Parmenter said the CGOC was on hand at Outdoor Recreation to assist spouses of deployed Airmen with selecting a tree, carrying it to a vehicle and delivering it to their house.

While deployed spouses had first pick of the trees Dec. 3, the program runs until Dec. 24 during Outdoor Recreation's normal business: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. until noon.

For more information on the program, contact Outdoor Recreation at (605) 385-2997.