Santa roars into Fort Benning to Riverside residence

Photo By Patrick Albright | FORT BENNING, Ga. (Dec. 11, 2018) -- Members of the Fort Benning, Georgia, community kick off the holiday season with the annual Santa at Riverside event Dec. 6, 2018, at the home of the Maneuver Center of Excellence commanding general, Maj. Gen. Gary M. Brito. During the event, the Fort Benning Christmas tree was illuminated, Santa took photos with children in attendance and gifts were raffled out to various Families. (U.S. Army photo by Patrick Albright, Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Benning Public Affairs)  

FORT BENNING, GA, UNITED STATES

12.11.2018

Story by Megan Garcia 

Fort Moore Public Affairs Office

FORT BENNING, Ga. (Dec. 11, 2018) – The rumbles of motorcycle engines filled the air, signaling the arrival of reindeer, Santa and Mrs. Clause to the lawn of Riverside Dec. 6 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The annual Christmas at Riverside event brought together the Fort Benning community for fellowship, gifts, Santa and the lighting of the post’s Christmas tree.

The Maneuver Center of Excellence commanding general, Maj. Gen. Gary M. Brito, assisted by children from the crowd, kicked off the event by flipping the switch to light the tree prior to the arrival of Santa and his reindeer, who rode into the celebration on motorcycles.

Brito said he was more than thrilled to be at the event, especially to see the happiness displayed by the young children. Brito continued to express his appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the Fort Benning community.

“I want to thank the Families of the Soldiers and the community that supports us,” said Brito. “I wish them a very joyous season and happy holidays and to continue to be safe and prosper as a team.”

Staff Sgt. Joseph Reap, a drill sergeant with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, at Fort Benning, brought his wife and their two daughters, ages 7 and 5, to enjoy the festivities.

“I feel like we spend so much time away from our Families to train trainees, so to be able to come out to an event like this with our Families is really important to us,” said Reap.

He added he enjoyed the set-up of the event and how excited his daughters were to be there, especially to see Santa.

To see more photos from the event, visit www.fortbenningphotos.com/Ceremonies-and-Events/Off-Post-Events/2018-Events/2018-12-06-Santa-at-Riverside.

• Date Taken: 12.11.2018
• Date Posted: 12.11.2018 16:42
• Story ID: 303075
• Location: FORT BENNING, GA, US