Toy donations destined for Military Children's Party

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Like Santa's giant sleigh, the Never Forget Our Fallen Hummer returned to the 940th Wing again this year to load up toys collected by the wing's squadrons during the annual Holiday Canned Food and Toy Drive.

Reservists' donations of stuffed animals, games, toys and dolls will be handed out at the 2010 Never Forget Our Fallen Military Children's Christmas Party, Saturday, Dec. 18, at the California Army National Guard Readiness Center in Roseville, Calif. The Christmas party is free for military families of all active duty members, whether deployed or serving stateside. Children who have lost a parent serving in Afghanistan or Iraq are also invited.

As the boxes of children's gifts were loaded into the back of the uniquely painted vehicle, owner Deborah Getz visited with the group of 940th Wing members gathered in the parking lot in front of the wing headquarters building.

Getz talked about the Never Forget Our Fallen organization she founded in memory of her son, Army Ranger Kristofer Thomas, killed in action in Afghanistan in 2007. As she walked around the Hummer, Getz explained the significance of each painting and retold the story of the emotional day she learned that her son and eight other special operation troops were killed in a Chinook helicopter crash.

Getz also spoke about the Military Children's Christmas Party and how the event has grown over the past three years.

"In 2008, more than 500 children attended the Never Forget Our Fallen Military Children's Christmas Party. In 2009, we had more than 1,200 military families involved in this celebration," Getz said.

This year, the number of military families needing support for the holidays is expected to double, according to Getz. She admitted, however, that toy donations are down from previous years.

"In the past, close to 75% of the families attending the Children's Christmas Party have been from Beale. Your donations go a long way in bringing joy to these children's lives," Getz said, thanking the 940th Wing for their continued support.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Never Forget Our Fallen's Military Children's Christmas Party can drop toys off at several collection sites thru Dec. 23. A list of collection locations, as well as sponsorship information, can be found on the organization's web site at www.neverforgetourfallen.com .

Several members of the 940th Wing have volunteered to assist with this year's event.

"During the holidays, there are always others that we need to think about," said a 940th Wing Reservist. "As military members, we don't think about fellow servicemembers just during the holidays, especially those who have given their lives or lost loved ones. We remember them every day. It's our wingman duty to always be there for them."