916th and American Red Cross kick off Holiday Mail Program

  • Published
  • By Maj. Erin Karl
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  As many in the wing know, being deployed over the holidays can be tough. The American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program aims to bring a little Christmas joy to military men and women separated from their families. The 2012 mail drive was officially kicked off in mid-November with a mass carding signing event at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

"Since 2006, we've distributed more than 4.7 million cards to members of the Armed Forces," said Bill Brent, Regional CEO, "and we hope communities all over Eastern North Carolina will help us continue this tradition."

Kathy Gilmour, wife of 916th Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Gregory Gilmour, was the hostess of the event. She spoke about how important a seemingly small thing like a Christmas card can be.

"The least we can do at Christmas time is let them know they have a big hug from home. I think this is really important for our guys who are at war to let them know we love them, we care about them, and we're thinking about them while they're out keeping us safe," said Mrs. Gilmour.

One wing member who came to sign some cards was on the receiving end of the Holiday Mail for Heroes program in the past.

"I was deployed overseas in 2003 during the holidays," said Col. Gilmour's executive officer Major Kimberly Lewis. "My unit got a big bunch of cards delivered and I still have mine. You could see the care they took coloring the pictures and writing to us. It really meant a lot to get those cards when we were so far from home."

Spouses and children also came to put their coloring skills to work making cards to send. Sarah Shelton, 12-year-old daughter of 911th Air Refueling Squadron deputy commander Lt. Col. Bob Shelton, made a few.

"My card says, 'Thank you for serving so we can be free. Merry Christmas!'" she said.

This kick-off event will launch Holiday Mail card signing events in communities all over Eastern NC. Anyone interested in hosting a card signing event should contact their local Red Cross Chapter.

Once signed and scanned for safety, Red Cross volunteers will sort and deliver the cards to service members, veterans and their families across the country and around the world. Cards must be postmarked by Friday, December 7; the Red Cross cannot guarantee delivery of any cards after this date. For a full list of program guidelines, visit redcross.org/holidaymail.