Oklahoma Air Force Reservists creating Christmas miracles

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Rich Curry
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing
With only a few days left until Christmas, a small group of Air Force Reservists are producing holiday miracles for those less fortunate. 

Members of the 507th Air Refueling Wing and 513th Air Control Group have again stepped forward to raise food, clothing and more than $10,000 during their traditional Operation Holiday Spirit campaign. 

The reservists began their combined OHS campaign in 1999 as an effort to consolidate previous charity initiatives within both organizations. 

“We recognized that we all wanted to help others in need during the holidays but that we would provide much better support if we consolidated and focused our efforts,” said Maj. Ralph Hawkins, 513th ACG Executive Officer and OHS chairman. 

The decision was made, the major said, to focus unit efforts towards 5 initiatives: the YWCA Battered Woman’s Shelter, the Salvation Army’s Christmas Stocking program, the homeless food program operated by Oklahoma City’s Downtown Baptist Church, the Norman, Oklahoma Veterans Center and supporting needy reserve families. 

Annually the reservists hold a banquet to raise donations with this year’s event generating $10,021. This figure represents a $2,500 increase over last year’s event. 

While the final totals are still not counted, the 1,800 reservists have provided more than 250 Salvation Army Christmas Stockings, sent boxes of food, clothing and toys to the YWCA Shelter and the Downtown Baptist Church, fulfilled the Christmas gift wish for each of the Veterans Center 253 residents, and have helped 12 Air Force Reserve needy families have a brighter Christmas. 

“The Operation Holiday Spirit program is meant to help out our communities--our Reservists and Oklahoma City as a whole. Both the 513 ACG and 507 ARW will always do their best for the friends and neighbors they are so proud to serve,” Major Hawkins said.