WASHINGTON – On Dec. 4, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) continued its annual tradition, lighting a large evergreen tree alongside the installation’s main entrance, as a symbol of the holiday season.
Service members and their families delved into cookies and hot chocolate, while members of the U.S. Air Force Band entertained guests with Christmas classics like “Santa Claus is coming to Town,” and “Frosty the Snowman.”
Joint Base Commander Navy Capt. Anthony T. Calandra thanked everyone for attending – despite it being a warmer night than even he had hoped.
“Last year’s celebration was really cold and windy. I’m glad we don’t have that tonight, but I sure was hoping to have some flurries by now,” Calandra said. “It’s great to see everyone enjoying themselves. I think this is a perfect way for our community to start the Christmas season.”
Families took part in a raffle for gifts courtesy of Morale, Welfare and Recreation. Prizes included gift cards and tickets to various area entertainment venues. The Boys and Girls Club of America, with many children from JBAB and its local Washington chapter present, was also the beneficiary of a $14,225 check from National Government Services.
According to Tim Masheck, vice president and general manager of National Government Services, his company is involved in numerous community outreach projects with organizations in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“It’s an honor to support an organization like the Boys and Girls Club of America because they do so much to promote healthy living among young kids,” Masheck said. “We’re proud and happy to be a part of that endeavor.”
The money will specifically go towards the Triple Play Program of the Boys and Girls Club of America. The program strives to improve the overall health of young children while increasing their daily physical activity, nutrition and how to develop healthy relationships, said Dawn Brunson, a senior director for military outreach for the Boys and Girls Club of American Washington chapter.