Golden Age Holiday Party

Airmen welcome attendees to Tyndall's 26th Annual Golden Age Holiday Party Dec. 4. The party is for senior citizens from the Bay County Council on Aging, Sims Veterans Home and others from across the Panama City and Mexico Beach senior communities. During the party, guests are treated to cookies, pizza, finger sandwiches and dancing. The event began as way to say thank you to local veterans in senior communities during the holiday season. However, it has grown to include spreading holiday well wishes to local seniors as well. The Tyndall Chief’s Group sponsors the party. (U.S. Air Force photo by Susan Trahan)

Golden Age Holiday Party

'Santa' dances with an attendee at Tyndall's 26th Annual Golden Age Holiday Party Dec. 4. The party is for senior citizens from the Bay County Council on Aging, Sims Veterans Home and others from across the Panama City and Mexico Beach senior communities. During the party, guests are treated to cookies, pizza, finger sandwiches and dancing. The event began as way to say thank you to local veterans in senior communities during the holiday season. However, it has grown to include spreading holiday well wishes to local seniors as well. The Tyndall Chief’s Group sponsors the party. (U.S. Air Force photo by Susan Trahan)

Golden Age Holiday Party

'Santa' says hello to an attendee at Tyndall's 26th Annual Golden Age Holiday Party Dec. 4. The party is for senior citizens from the Bay County Council on Aging, Sims Veterans Home and others from across the Panama City and Mexico Beach senior communities. During the party, guests are treated to cookies, pizza, finger sandwiches and dancing. The event began as way to say thank you to local veterans in senior communities during the holiday season. However, it has grown to include spreading holiday well wishes to local seniors as well. The Tyndall Chief’s Group sponsors the party. (U.S. Air Force photo by Susan Trahan)

Tyndall hosts 26th Annual Golden Age Holiday Party

Published Dec. 5, 2012
By 2nd Lt. Andrea Valencia
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Tyndall Chief's Association sponsored the 26th Annual Golden Age Holiday Party Dec. 4 at Horizons Community Center to make the season brighter for a special group.

More than 150 senior citizens from the Bay County Council on Aging, Sims Veterans Home and some from across the Panama City and Mexico Beach senior communities attended the party. Guests received cookies, pizza, finger sandwiches and drinks. They also sang and danced, showing off their skills.

"Our goal is for them to come here and have fun," said Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Pritchard, Airey NCO Academy commandant. "They all really look forward to it and enjoy it. We don't even have to remind them about the event. They are excited to come before we even send the invitations out."

Approximately 90 Airmen from Tyndall volunteered at the event, serving attendees their snacks and drinks and even sharing a dance or two.

"This is an event we really look forward to doing every year," said Chief Pritchard."It's a great way to show our appreciation for their service and what they have done for their country. Most here are veterans or had a spouse that served in our military."

Party guest and U.S. Army veteran Orville Blake retired from Tyndall in 1969 and looks forward to the event each year.

"I like this event because it gives us time to spend with friends," he said. "I enjoyed Tyndall when I was stationed here, it was my favorite base, and I enjoy coming back for this event."

In addition to the disc jockey skills of Master Sgt. Himaiya Lowery, Airey NCO Academy instructor, who kept the music and entertainment going, no guest left the party empty-handed. Everyone was given a fruit basket, donated by Team Tyndall members.

Several poinsettias and table decorations were also given away, helping to make the event an overall success.

For additional photos from the Golden Age Holiday Party, Common Access Card holders can view them on SharePoint by clicking here.