Operation Holiday Spirit offers resources for Oklahoma Airmen

Photo By Airman 1st Class Erika Chapa | First sergeants and other volunteers from the 137th Special Operations Wing, 507th Air Refueling Wing and 513th Air Commando Group prepare dinner plates to serve at the 24th Annual Operation Holiday Spirit supper on December 1, 2023, at the American Legion Post 73, Del City, Okla. Proceeds from this collaborative fundraising event support Airmen in need of assistance within these units and continues to be one of the biggest fundraising events the 137th SOW participates in during the holiday season. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Erika Chapa)  

DEL CITY, OK, UNITED STATES

12.20.2023

Story by Airman 1st Class Erika Chapa 

137th Special Operations Wing

Airmen from the 137th Special Operations Wing, 507th Air Refueling Wing and 513th Air Commando Group gathered for the 24th Operation Holiday Spirit supper on December 1, 2023, at the American Legion Post 73, Del City, Oklahoma.

Proceeds from this collaborative fundraising event support Airmen in need of assistance within these units. This year raised a total of about $40,000, making it one of the biggest fundraising events the 137th SOW supports during the holiday season.

“The program is designed to give back to our own,” Joe Wade, a civilian working with the 507th ARW, remarked. “We have a great steak, a great time, and help our own.”

As the Tinker and 137th SOW first sergeant councils serve steaks and other holiday staples, Airmen and families celebrated holiday spirit while helping Wingmen in need.

“If anybody knows about this, they should either attend or donate,” said 137th SOW Command Chief Master Sgt. Lawrence DeSalle, who helped organize Operation Holiday Spirit this year. “Everybody I know that has gone has liked it and wanted to come back the next year.”

Airmen with the 137th SOW have access to many resources in addition to Operation Holiday Spirit through the 137th SOW Airman and Family Readiness Office. Airmen and their families are encouraged to reach out to this office for assistance any time of year for whatever they need. The office provides assistance, guidance and support to Oklahoma Air National Guardsmen through resources such as financial management classes, home buying, a food pantry, and materials to build mental resilience. The Airman and Family Readiness Office can be reached at [phone].

• Date Taken: 12.20.2023
• Date Posted: 12.30.2023 11:34
• Story ID: 460400
• Location: DEL CITY, OK, US