TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
Tyndall hosted its 30th annual Golden Age Holiday Party at
the Horizons Community Center Dec. 15, 2016.
Volunteers from all across Team Tyndall danced, sang and
spent time with more than 200 senior citizens from the local community.
“This is my second year attending the event, and I love it,”
said Beth Stream, a senior with the Bay County Council on Ageing. “We really do
enjoy it. We talk about it all year round, and I was really excited to come
back. I love the way everyone smiles and greets you; it’s not just one or two
people that smile, it’s the whole base.”
The event was coordinated and hosted by the Tyndall Chiefs
Group, who with the help of donations and volunteers, handed out more than 200 gifts
and 200 fruit baskets to guests.
“Everyone leaves with something,” said Chief Master Sgt.
Deborah Parsons, 325th Force Support Squadron chief enlisted manager. “I think
everyone really enjoyed themselves. You could just look in [the room] and no
matter what the music was, the dance floor was full. Some of the senior
citizens were dancing at their tables and everyone was just really having a
great time.”
The U.S. Air Force Band of the West’s wind quartet Spectrum
Winds also made an appearance, playing classic holiday carols for the events
attendees.
Overall, more than 40 Tyndall volunteers came together to
make the event as memorable as possible.
“I really enjoyed this event,” said Tech. Sgt. David
Ambrusko, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Control Center NCO in charge.
“I think it’s important to give back to the community, especially the [senior
citizens] who may not have any family around the area. It is a lot of fun and an
honor to volunteer for this event.”
Faces lit up and everyone cheered as Santa Clause entered
the room in a combat helmet, handing out gifts, dancing with guests and posing
for photos.
“I haven’t gotten the chance to dance with Santa yet, but
the day is early,” said Stream with a laugh.