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Clovis community brings holiday spirit to Cannon Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jette Warnick
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  More than 250 single Airmen gathered at the base chapel  Dec. 10 to celebrate Christmas with a hearty holiday meal, drawings for gifts such as computers and big-screen televisions and the opportunity to exchange the spirit of the season with each other.

The annual event, dubbed "Single Airmen's Christmas Dinner" was provided courtesy of nearby Clovis, N.M. and the Committee of Fifty, a civilian organization that supports the Airmen here.

"They sponsor the event because they want to support you," said Col. Stephen Clark, addressing the Airmen at the party. "They know it's time away from home during the Christmas season, and for a lot of you, it's the first time. It takes a bit of getting used to, so they want to share a little bit of their Christmas, (and) their community with you."

Air Force retiree Al Jolly, who is also a member of the Committee of Fifty, was asked by its members to take over the planning of the Single Airman's Dinner 12 years ago. It was a job that he was more than happy to take on, he said. This year, he raised nearly $9,000 for the Christmas party.

"In 1952 I spent Christmas here at Cannon as an enlisted guy, and it wasn't really any fun," said Mr. Jolly. "Because of that experience, my heart goes out to the enlisted people who aren't able to go home for the holidays."

With dance offs, singing of Christmas songs, and winning of prizes, the night was one of laughter and good cheer.

"This party is a great opportunity for everyone to get together, share a meal, give thanks, and enjoy the Christmas holidays," said Colonel Clark.

Airman 1st Class William Lloyd, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron, said he appreciated the Single Airman's Christmas Dinner for more reasons perhaps than the others. He is scheduled to deploy before Christmas.

"I feel somewhat bad about not being home, but I love serving my country and doing what needs to be done so that others can spend time at home with their families," he said. "This is my first Christmas away from home, but I know it won't be my last Christmas either."

The Christmas dinner helped a lot, said Airman Lloyd. Eating, laughing, and enjoying a good time with other Airmen kept his mind off deploying and not being home.

Summing up the yearly event, Colonel Clark said, "This evening, remember those who are downrange, those people that you'll be replacing shortly, or those that have just come back. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers, because they don't usually get to enjoy an evening like this."