ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Countless families from across the base made their way to the 28th Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation office Dec. 6, to pick up one of 235 free Christmas trees donated by tree growers from around the nation.

The trees, courtesy of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation were delivered by freight haulers to various military installations as a way of thanking servicemembers and their families for their many sacrifices.

This year, the trees delivered to Ellsworth came from a tree farm in Wisconsin. Spouses of deployed Airmen were given first pick of the bunch.

"My husband has volunteered the past couple of years with Trees for Troops," said Kayla Halvorson, spouse of Staff Sgt. Matthew Halvorson, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron structures technician, who recently deployed to Southwest Asia. "It means so much for my family and I to have support during the holiday season."

Col. Thomas Goulter, 28th Mission Support Group commander, who has been involved with the program for two years, said humbled by the gesture of support Airmen and their families receive during the holidays.

"It's an exceptional event for Airmen, especially for the families of our deployed Airmen who can use a bit of support during the holidays," Goulter said. "Even the smallest things can make a huge difference in someone's holiday season."

Many of the trees had cards with heartfelt messages attached that thanked families for their hard work and support.

"I've been helping unload and pass out trees for a few years now," said Airman 1st Class Robert Ocampo, 28th Contracting Squadron contract administrator. "It's for a good cause - helping others have a nice holiday season."

Supplies are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call Carrie Brewer, 28th FSS marketing director, at (605) 385-1586.