Beale Air Force Base, Calif. –
Hundreds of excited, bright-eyed children huddled in anticipation with their families at the Roseville Army National Guard Armory, Dec. 18. The children were treated to holiday cookies, candy, visits with Santa, and an armful of toys at the Military Children's Christmas Party.
The 3rd annual event was organized by the Never Forget Our Fallen organization. Deborah Getz started the organization in honor of her son who lost his life while serving with the Army in Afghanistan in 2007.
Getz said she felt called to give back to the families of all branches of the military, stateside and deployed. She was very pleased to see the children with smiles on their faces after picking special gifts donated by the local community.
John Riley, with the Patriot Guard Riders, also felt the same calling. He organized a group of riders to participate as volunteers at the party. He brought his three grandchildren whose father is serving with the Air Force in Misawa, Japan.
"It's really good to know somebody cares about our military families," said Riley.
Another volunteer was Sgt. Pacias, Army National Guard, Missions NCO, 115th Regional Support Group. He was in charge of the facility where the Christmas party was held.
Pacias said the building used for last year's party was too small, so the Never Forget Our Fallen organization decided to move to the armory. This enabled organizers to include more families and a larger selection of toys.
"It makes me very happy because a lot of soldiers don't make very much money,' said Pacias.
Wanda Kealaiki, who helped raise funds and collect toys for the event, brought her grandson to the event. She said the gathering meant a lot to her after she lost her son, a Marine, in 2004.
"I lost my son, my daughter-in-law lost her husband, my grandson lost his father," said Kealaiki.
Getz, who understands Kealaiki's pain, said that giving back to people in the military has helped her keep her spirits up during this tough time.
"Don't stay in that 'hole' as I call it," said Getz. "It's not helpful, and it's not what our children and loved ones who served would want us to do."
Getz said it brought a smile to her face seeing all the happy faces of the children and their families. She was pleased with all the Christmas party volunteers and couldn't thank them enough.
For more information about the organization, Never Forget our Fallen, click here:
http://www.neverforgetourfallen.com/