OHS

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Steven Wright and Senior Master Sgt. Bob Gaspar auction off an OU football helmet at the Operation Holiday Spirit fund-raiser at the Del City American Legion, Dec. 7. The event raised a record-breaking $34,769 to support guard and reserve Airmen in need. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Maj. Jon Quinlan)

OHS

The Operation Holiday Spirit rib eye steaks are cooked to perfection by volunteers from the 513th Air Control Group, 507th and 137th Air Refueling Wings. A record-breaking $34,769 was raised to support struggling Guard and Reserve Airmen and their families during the holidays. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Caleb Wanzer)

OHS

Acting 507th Air Refueling Wing Commander, Col. Kevin Trayer helps serve rib eye steaks during the Operation Holiday Spirit Steak Supper at the Del City American Legion Dec. 7. The event raised a record-breaking $34,769 to support guard and reserve Airmen in need. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Caleb Wanzer)

Operation Holiday Spirit a success despite weather

Published Dec. 8, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Caleb Wanzer
513th Air Control Group Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Friday night's Operation Holiday Spirit annual charity fund raiser was alive with activity as steaks flew off the grill, auctions were held and attendees donated money for military families in need.

The 15th annual fund raiser, held at the Del City American Legion Post 73, raised a record-breaking $34,769 to support struggling Guard and Reserve Airmen and their families. Military and community members turned out in force despite the below-freezing temperatures and icy road conditions.

"This event has grown more and more each year," said Lt. Col. Ralph Hawkins, 513th Air Control Group executive officer and lead OHS team member. "It is really encouraging to see the strong support every year for Airmen who struggle to provide for their families during the holiday season."

Event organizers sold 318 tickets for the steak dinner, which has grown in popularity since its modest turnout of 45 for the first fundraiser.

Operation Holiday Spirit is a consolidated effort by three Tinker AFB-based units: the 507th Air Refueling Wing, the 513th Air Control Group and the 137th Air Refueling Wing. The initiative was formed by Tinker Citizen Airmen in 1999 for those in need during the Christmas season.

Hawkins also gave much praise to the level of involvement of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Members of the 137th alone donated more than $6,000.

"We have seen more and more from them every year and I think it's a great partnership," He said.

First Sergeants from the three units discreetly nominate members they see struggling. A committee then divides up the donations that will provide food and gifts for children. Nearly 190 families have been assisted since Holiday Spirit began 15 years ago.

"We helped 61 families in 2011, which is our current record," Hawkins said. "We hope that the number this year is lower." (Senior Airman Mark Hybers contributed to the report)