Entertainers visit RAF Mildenhall for Operation Season's Greetings

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Mildenhall
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Latin pop singer Melina León, country sensation Jamie O'Neal, a group of New England Patriots cheerleaders, and comedian Dick Hardwick entertained local Airmen and their families in Hangar 814 Nov. 27 as part of this year's Operation Season's Greetings tour.
The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Force Reserve Command bands opened the show playing well-known pop and contemporary songs for the crowd of RAFs Mildenhall and Lakenheath families. They were followed by performances by the cheerleaders, comedian and singers.

"I thought it was very special, (being asked to be part of OSG), not only for the (Airmen) but for the Puerto Rican (troops)," said Ms. León. "It's a gift from me to them. And, as it's the holiday season, what better way to thank them than to do it personally?

"Performing for the troops is very exciting and emotional," she continued. "I get to see them with their faces full off happiness. Every single one of them always says 'thank you.' It's such an emotional reward."

Operation Season's Greetings has taken the artists around the world, visiting troops stationed overseas and in deployed locations. The tour consists of about 80 people and more than 90,000 pounds of gear, said Dave Ballengee, OSG producer and Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command deputy director.

"This Air Force tour group brings state-of-the-art sound, stage and lighting equipment to entertain the wonderful men and women serving our country," he said.

According to the six New England Patriots cheerleaders (chosen from the 24 women on the squad), being part of the tour is always popular, and everyone always wants to volunteer for it.

Cheerleader Meghan White, a Bedford, N.H. native, agreed and said performing for the troops holds a special place in her heart.

"My grandfather was a World War II veteran, and he passed away about a year ago," she said. "At his funeral, he had a military ceremony, and I had the privilege of folding the flag and sending it to my grandmother.

"My cousin played 'Taps'; it was a beautiful family (occasion)," she added. "My grandfather was the most patriotic man I know. He'd requested that we sing 'God bless America' at his funeral, which we did. He definitely influenced my life."

In addition to singing and dancing entertainment, the families were treated to a stand-up routine by Dick Hardwick, who said visiting troops in deployed locations was a very different experience for him.

"It gave you a heightened sense of, 'I wonder what's next.' Every building had sandbags and cement around them - they all live in tents. It was similar to what I recall from the television show 'MASH.'"

He said the trip also offered him some insight into what it's like for the troops.

"The plane that came to pick us up was fired on by a (rocket-propelled grenade), but (the aircraft) landed safely," he said. "I was a little nervous, and during take-off and landing I would hold my feet close to me instead of out straight. We weren't on the plane when it happened, but we just as easily could have been. (The troops) were very protective of us out there, and put out extra patrols and extra security, which made me very happy."

According to the Maj. Tammy Hinskton, 100th Services Squadron commander, the event wouldn't have been possible without teamwork and cooperation.

"Although it was cold and dark outside, you would never know it inside Hangar 814," she said. "Dedicated OSG entertainers, who love the military, performed their hearts out to hundreds of Air Force families - well done!"