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Community members illuminate base

  • 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 tree at Lakehurst was lit in front of Bldg. 150, Dec. 2, while the McGuire/Dix tree lighting ceremony took place Dec. 3 at the field in front of Wurman Hall.

The ceremonies marked the start of the holiday season for joint base community members, also sparked holiday cheer for children around the base and well as demonstrated a family of one amongst the different services here.

"Overall, the events brought base leadership and community members together to celebrate the holiday season," said Army Staff Sgt. Jason Martin, 1st Battalion,174th Infantry Brigade, 307th Stryker Regiment.

Both ceremonies included a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as provided hot chocolate and cookies to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Along with the Claus', community members and their children had a chance to enjoy the holiday cards from different organizations throughout the base. The winners of the best Holiday card contest were announced before the McGuire/Dix tree lighting.

The 305th Maintenance Squadron was the defending champs from last year's competition and took first place again with a 3-D card display. The squadron received 500 Force Support Squadron bucks for winning the competition. Second place went to the Army Support Activity-Dix weaponeers, who received 300 FSS bucks. Brownie Troop 22045 took third place and received 200 FSS bucks.

All of the children ran to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus who arrived by fire truck.

After the tree was illuminated, with a little help from the children and Col. Gina Grosso, JB MDL commander, visited with Santa and shared their Christmas wish list before receiving a candy cane from Mrs. Claus.