48th FW Airmen fight mission of a different kind

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chris Stagner
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The U.S. Air Force is widely regarded as the most powerful air force in the world. Its strength is so renowned, in fact, that during Desert Storm one Iraqi soldier was asked why he surrendered. His response: "We heard the B-52s." That's the kind of fear the U.S. air superiority strikes into the hearts of its enemies.

The emotion struck into the hearts of children and families at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford on Dec. 5 was quite different from the Iraqi soldier when 75 volunteers from the 48th Fighter Wing partnered with the Starlight Foundation to host a Christmas party for terminally and seriously ill children.

"It was really amazing," said Verity Williams, Starlight Foundation Hospital Services coordinator. "It was an amazing opportunity for the kids and their families. The day was just really phenomenal."

The inspiration for the party finds its roots buried years deep in U.S. history in the UK.

"This inspiration for this party was based on the 78th Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Force based at RAF Duxford," said Capt. Staci Cotner, 492nd Fighter Squadron weapons systems officer and event coordinator. "They threw a party Christmas Day in 1943 for local children, and it became a tradition."

The ties established with the local community so long ago by previous Airmen are something today's Airmen are working to start again.

"We're trying to start that tradition again in the 492nd [Fighter Squadron]," said Captain Cotner. "This is our second year doing this."

Last year's party was for disadvantaged children in the area. This year the squadron wanted to make memories for children that would last a life time.

"The base contacted [the Starlight Foundation], so I contacted Princess Alexandria Hospital," said Ms. Williams. "They didn't have a party last year, so we wanted to take care of them this year."

What started as a squadron project rapidly expanded as word of the day's events spread throughout the base.

"We had a great turnout," said Captain Cotner. "Unfortunately I actually had to turn away volunteers because we had so many."

The volunteers who helped with the event all shared the same opinion.

"This was one of the most gratifying experiences of my career," said Master Sgt. James Armstrong, 48th Operations Support Squadron assistant chief controller. "It made me proud to be a part of the Air Force."

Children were treated to many activities ranging from arts and crafts to skits and caroling during the day, but Santa Claus landing at the event in a helicopter to pass out gifts was the crowd pleaser.

As children greeted Santa while he walked from the helicopter to the museum, one child stopped him with a very serious question.

"Where are your reindeer and sleigh?" the boy asked.

Santa didn't miss a beat as he let the young boy know his sleigh was receiving repairs and the U.S. Air Force was nice enough to give him a lift to see the children.

Team Liberty warriors continued to fly, fight and win at the museum that day, but it was a type flying, fighting and winning most Airmen wish they could emulate every day.

"There is nothing better than seeing children smile from ear to ear all day long," said Sergeant Armstrong.