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23rd annual Golden Age Holiday Party

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing/ Public Affaris
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Chief's Association sponsored the 23rd Annual Golden Age Holiday Party Dec. 2 at the Heritage club.

One hundred and fifty senior citizens from the Bay County Council on Aging and the Sims Veteran's Home attended the party, which featured light snacks, drinks, singing, dancing and prizes.

"Our goal is for them to come here and have fun," said Airey NCO Academy Commandant, Chief Master Sgt. Malcolm W. McVicar. "For a lot of them, this may be their only holiday party. Some start calling as early as July; they really look forward to it."

Approximately 75 Airmen from Tyndall Air Force Base volunteered at the event, taking time to serve the attendees, and even share a dance or two.

"This is an event we really look forward to doing every year," said Chief McVicar. "This is just a great way for the Airmen at Tyndall to give back. A lot of the senior citizens are veterans who helped build what we have today. We walk in the footsteps of those who served before us."

A few Airmen stood out: Senior Master Sgt. Travis Fritts, 325th Force Support Squadron Career Assistant Advisor, Staff Sgt. Donald Mitchell, 325th Air Control Squadron Pilot Simulator, and Chief Master Sgt. Paul King, 325th Maintenance Group Superintendent.

"Sgt. Fritts and Sgt. Mitchell were the Disc Jockeys and they really made it happen," said Chief McVicar. "And when Chief King puts on that Santa suit he goes out there and has a blast."

As if the entertainment was not enough, no guests left the party empty handed. Everyone was given a fruit basket, donated by Team Tyndall members.

"The Chiefs go out to all the units with donation cards and if someone is able to donate they fill out a card with their name and address and it goes into the fruit basket," said Chief McVicar. "That way when the guests return to their homes and open the basket they know who the basket is from and they can write to them."

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

"The guests love the ability they have to carry on conversations at the party," said Chief McVicar. "I guess you could say it is all about the camaraderie of bringing everyone together that really makes the party. And they sure love to dance."