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A simply "Sweet Salute" from Team Kadena

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Nearly 2,500 servicemembers living in dorms here received a delicious surprise, Dec. 3, when cookies were delivered to their dorm rooms.

All dorm residents at Kadena received this "Sweet Salute" including nearly 700 Army, Navy and Marine personnel.

"It's great to see they're thinking about us in the dorms," said Airman 1st Class Jesse Gresham, a firefighter with the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron. "That they know we're here and they haven't forgotten about us."

More than 12,000 cookies were baked to be distributed throughout the dorms by squadron first sergeants. More than a hundred volunteers gave their time to bring this year's "Sweet Salute" and a bit of Christmas cheer to these servicemembers.

Two of this year's "Sweet Salute" coordinators and volunteer cookie makers said the effort is all about giving Airmen living in the dorms a little taste of home during the holiday season.

"We have a lot of single folks," said Cindy Wilsbach, wife of 18th Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, "not just Airmen, but other military members who are living in the dorms. And it's just a chance to give them a little bit of home. Some homemade goodies."

"I think, personally, it's a way to say thank you," said Charlotte Rupp, wife of 18th Wing vice commander Ricky Rupp. "To let people know they care about them, and that they're not alone over the holidays. We are aware that they're here, and they are away from their families."

Elementary school children also pitched in to spread holiday cheer by making handmade Christmas cards to be delivered with the cookies.

The effort put into all aspects of this year's "Sweet Salute" was greatly appreciated as Airmen received their cookies and cards.

"To know people respect us enough to take the time and bake for us reminds us that even though we're Airmen, we're still part of the big team," said Senior Airman Patrick Hamilton, a member of the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron.