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Tree-lighting ceremonies kick off holiday season for JB MDL community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst kicked off the holiday season with two tree lighting ceremonies the first days on Dec. 1 and 2.

The tree at Lakehurst was lit in front of Command Headquarters Dec. 1. The McGuire/Dix tree lighting ceremony took place at the field in front of Wurman Hall, Army Support Activities-Dix Headquarters Dec. 2.

Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance at each ceremony. Hot chocolate and cookies were provided to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Large holiday cards, created by various units on base, were on display at the McGuire/Dix tree lighting ceremony as part of the holiday card contest. The winners were announced before the lighting of the tree.

The 87th Physical Therapy Group took first place, receiving $350 in Force Support Squadron bucks, the 87th Dental Squadron placed second receiving $250 in FSS bucks and the Ft. Dix Girl Scout Troop 22045 placed third for the second year in a row receiving $150 in FSS bucks. The FSS bucks can be used at any FSS event around base.

"This card contest showed cooperation between the JB MDL community and showed everyone's holiday spirit," said W.T. Little, 87th FSS deputy director. "The cards were really spot on. I could tell each group put a lot of effort into them."

All JB MDL community members, to include all DOD employees, were able to compete in the card contest. The cards were judged on originality, creativity and aesthetics.

Once the holiday cards were judged and the winners were announced the focus of the event turned to Santa and Mrs. Claus who arrived by fire truck. The children ran to Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they exited the fire truck.

After the tree was illuminated, with a little help from the children and Col. Patrick Slowey, ASA-Dix commander, children visited with Santa and shared their Christmas wish list before receiving a candy cane from Mrs. Claus.

"These ceremonies are all about us putting on an event where the JB MDL community can have a great time and really celebrate the holiday season," said Slowey. "I think the ceremony was a success and I think the children really got a kick out of Mr. and Mrs. Claus."