517th Airlift Squadron brings holidays to Arctic Village

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jared Marquis
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  For various reasons, Santa Claus' reindeer were not able to make the trip to Arctic Village. For example, Donner and Blitzen were not current on their training and Rudolph was getting his red-nose shined so he could lead the way on Santa's Christmas journey. So, like they have done for the last 40 years and for the final time, Air Force C-130s from the 517th Airlift Squadron were more than happy to give Santa a ride.

This historic tradition started in 1967 when the herd of caribou the village relied on for subsistence migrated further into the remote reaches of Alaska because of wildfires. The 517th AS stepped in to help transport the hunters to the herd and helped bring the meat back. Santa, priding himself on keeping up with all worldly matters, saw an opportunity. Knowing his transportation would not be mission ready until Dec. 24, he put in a request to the Air Force that he has repeated each year since.

"Early in the year, Santa gets the wish list from the village and because he is so busy and because of the large amount of supplies needed by the village, he asks us to help," said Capt. Darian Baker, 517th Airlift Squadron and Arctic Village 2006 mission commander.

Knowing that Santa has so much to do and so many presents to provide for children around the world, the 517th AS volunteers raised the money and bought presents for the children, in addition to helping Santa deliver them.

According to Captain Baker, the call from Santa came in late July. Since then, the squadron and their spouses have been furiously working to raise the money and buy the gifts and supplies.

"We spent $8,500 on food and supplies based on what the village told us they needed," said Julie Edwards, who has helped spearhead the purchase of supplies for the last three years.

"In addition to the larger items, we bring them food for their annual holiday celebration," said Mrs. Edwards.

She said their annual holiday celebration runs ten days from Dec. 22-Jan. 2 and includes food celebrations.

"One night they have a taco night, another is a barbecue night. We bring them the supplies they need to have this celebration," she said.

While the adult villagers are more than grateful for these items and very appreciative, it is Santa the younger ones come to see.

As the aircraft landed Monday, the plane was swarmed with children who braved the negative temperatures to see the man who was bringing them their presents.
Since the airstrip is located approximately two miles from the village, Santa was loaded into a truck, the villages only running vehicle, and chauffeured to the event. His elves were brought either on the single vehicle, or sleds hooked to the back of snow machines.

Once at the school, Santa was greeted by the remainder of the children and the adults who came out to take part in this annual cultural exchange. Most of the 250 people the village claims as residents squeezed into the one room building.

As the festivities began, the villagers conducted a program for Santa and his 31 elves, which included a traditional dance, an impromptu press conference and Christmas caroling.

After the program, Santa began doling out the presents, while the children huddled around and anxiously listened for their names.

While the village is located in the remote reaches of Alaska, it has not gone untouched by technology as many of the villagers pulled out their digital cameras and camcorders to record the event.

Technology, like MP3 players and video games also topped the list of requests from the children but was offset by every day items most people take for granted, like gummy bears and soda, things Santa would be hard-pressed to find on the list of most children.
For example, Johnson David, said he wanted a pair of sunglasses and a case of Dr. Thunder.

"You know, the drink," he said.

Others just wanted toys.

"I want a Barbie doll," said Alyssa Gimmell, who according to her mom and first chief of the village, Marjorie Gimmell, wouldn't go near Santa last year.

"This year, she won't stay away from him," she said.

According to Mrs. Edwards and Captain Baker, $50-$70 was set aside per child depending on their age.

The spouses did their best to get the kids what they asked for, including the odd requests.

Captain Baker said one child only had gummy bears on his list, so he received 25 pounds of the chewy snack.

While the Firebirds did their best to make sure the village had a good holiday, the village reciprocated in kind offering what they could to the Air Force.

One of the gifts was a traditional spear the villagers used to hunt with. Gideon James, a village elder wanted to ensure the recipients knew how traditional and important the gift was.

"This is a very traditional spear; it was designed before the influence of the 'white man' spear. I wish I had one like it," he said.

The villagers also gave Santa and his helpers a banner made by the younger children which was signed by everyone who contributed.

Reciprocating the cultural exchange, the villagers hand-made gifts for each individual helper as well as provided a celebration feast.

Captain Baker said this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and the experience will stay with him for a long time.

"It was a great feeling to see the happy, smiling kids. This is something they look forward to every year and it gives you a sense of accomplishment knowing you brought it to them," he said.

He added that while this may be the last year for Firebird's C-130s the tradition will continue with the Alaska Air National Guard, who have agreed to add Arctic Village to their list of destinations for Operation Santa Claus.

The members of the 517th said they will help out however necessary.

Caroline Tritt-Frank, principal and teacher at the Arctic Village School, and organizer for the event, said her village is steeped in tradition and is sad to see this one has to end.
"This event really brings people together, and is something the kids look forward to every year. We will miss seeing the Airmen from the 517th, but we are glad Santa will still be able to visit," she said.

For his part, Santa said he is very grateful for the help he has received from the 517th AS all these years and looks forward to continuing with the Alaska Air National Guard.

"I will definitely be calling them with the wish list for next year's trip," he said.