The first gift giving event of its kind in this community, 1-227 was on a mission to make Christmas special for children who were in need of gifts for the holiday. The students who received gifts were unaware until the moment they entered the school’s cafeteria where the Soldiers began distributing gifts.
“This event is a good opportunity for us to build a relationship with the school and students. It provides a foundation to grow on,” said 1-227 Schools Counselor Representative 2nd Lt. Jessica Arteaga.
The Angel Tree simply consisted of a strand of garland hung on the wall in the shape of a Christmas tree with paper ornaments in shapes of snowmen and smaller trees bearing the names of children in need of gifts.
The unit provided 50 gifts to the children of Skipcha. Apache helicopter repairer, Spc. Benjamin Sargent, jumped at the opportunity to help children in the community by volunteering to provide gifts to 11 of the 50 children on the Angel Tree.
The impact made on the students was evident as one boy hugged the leg of the 1-227 Command Sgt. Maj. Randall Wise in appreciation.
“Kids are amazed to see Soldiers, and Soldiers are blossoming in front of kids,” Wise said.
For many parents, the expense of Christmas gifts bears a burden on the home during the holiday season. Air Cav was able to help lessen this burden.
The school’s assistant principal, Carol Correa, could not thank 1-227 enough for their involvement in the school as she recalled past events the unit assisted, which included the Special Olympics, Science Olympiad, and serving Thanksgiving lunch.