Operation Holiday Spirit begins plans

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Rich Curry
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma --  As fall and winter months rapidly approach local Reserve and Guard members are again turning their attention to Operation Holiday Spirit. 

OHS is a consolidated Tinker AFB Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard drive to help raise funds that assist other needy Reserve and Guard members. 

This is the 11th year of Operation Holiday Spirit. OHS was formed by Tinker Citizen Airmen in 1999 to help other needy Tinker Citizen Airmen during the Christmas season. "The Tinker AFB Reserve were honored to be joined in this endeavor in 2008 by the men and women of the 137th Air Refueling Wing Air National Guard, and we look forward to many years of their friendship, participation, support, and also helping needy Guardsmen during the holidays," said Lt. Col. Ralph Hawkins, 513th Air Control Group Executive Officer and lead OHS team member. 

One of the single largest event for OHS each year is the HOLIDAY SPIRIT STEAK SUPPER, which is held the Friday evening prior to the December UTA. The supper falls on December 4th this year--only 78 days away--and is held at the Del City VFW.  Last year, 182 attendees help set an all-time steak supper record. 

"Another record that was shattered was the amount of money taken in - an astounding $14,159.00 through donations, challenges and auctions. This money helped 20 needy families, for an average of $707 per family," Hawkins said. He added that the goal this year is for 200 or more people to attend the steak supper event, and to equal or surpass the 2009 monetary amount collected last year. 

First Sergeants in the 513th ACG, 507th ARW and 137th ARW are keeping an eye out for those members in their units that are in need so OHS can give them help this Christmas. The steak supper is $25 per ticket, and you receive a steak, a baked potato, veggies, rolls, cheesecake, coffee, tea or water, and an overall good evening of fellowship at the event. 

Ticket are available for sale from the people listed below: 507 Air Refueling Wing: Capt. Bob Atkins, Chiefs Tina Long, Steve Wright and Jennifer Blease, Senior Master Sgt. Marie Pollard, Master Sgts. Takesha Williams and Veronica Garrett, or Miss Courtney Hawkins. 137 ARW: Maj. LeeAnn Tumblson. 513 ACG: Lt. Col. Ralph Hawkins