Christmas in August Published Nov. 28, 2007 By Senior Airman Carl Berry Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- Serving in United States Air Force should already make one proud, but after speaking with Larry Flook, an aircraft mechanic and Keith McAndrews, a quality insurance inspector, they make serving at Grissom special. During August, while many are wishing that summer had two more months, people in maintenance already have Christmas on their mind. Christmas is still five-months away and Mr. Flook is already on the phone ordering a tree. Not just any tree, but a tree that will eventually help families that are less-fortunate have a good Christmas. During a time when many people are buying candy to fill the bags of trick-or-treaters, the maintainers are buying candy, lights and ornaments to decorate a Christmas tree. Although maintenance is the main resource other squadrons also provide material to decorate, said Mr. McAndrews. "It takes a whole group of people to make this an exceptional project," said Mr. Flook. The tree they decorate so early in the year is for a local charity, which helps bring Christmas to people who may not be able to afford one. "Every year we have a new theme for the tree. This year our theme was stars, stripes and sparkling lights." The volunteers at Grissom have been decorating a tree for the past six-years. The tree goes on display along with 80 others at the Kokomo Mall for two-weeks. All the decorating takes place after hours and the members volunteer their time to decorate the tree at the mall. During this time people in the community and surrounding areas are able to donate money and vote for their favorite tree. The trees are then auctioned off and all of the proceeds go to the local charity. "We love participating because it brings everybody closer together," Mr. Flook added.
