Santa Claus crashes formation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Waller
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan --  It was Dec. 7, 2013, and for the Airmen of the 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron security escort flight, the day began like any other while deployed with a morning formation.

But this formation was different. A surprise visitor was about to spread holiday cheer before the Airmen began their escort duties.

Dressed in his desert camouflage, Santa Claus and his helpers interrupted the formation with gifts and stockings stuffed with presents for the Airmen.

For Senior Airman Matthew Blaquiere, 376th ECES security escort flight, deployed from RAF Mildenhall, England, the whole event was heartwarming.

"It was great," Blaquiere said. "It was unexpected and comforting knowing we were looked out for while we're away from our families, especially since some Airmen have never been away during the holidays."

Blaquiere's first sergeant at RAF Mildenhall couldn't agree more.

"The Air Force family knows no boundaries and it's refreshing as a first sergeant to see that (Air Force) family actively at work taking care of our deployed Airmen," said Master Sgt. Edward Prestley, 100th Communications Squadron first sergeant.

This is Blaquiere's first deployment since joining the Air Force in 2011 and although he's sad he isn't spending the holiday season with his family, Blaquiere said he's proud of his service.

"I feel proud knowing I'm playing a key part in the mission at (Transit Center at) Manas while protecting everyone back home in the (United) States so they can have a great holiday season," the Clarkston, Mich., native said.

As for the visit from Santa Claus and his helpers, Blaquiere said it reminded him of the holiday spirit.

"Santa has played a key role in bringing the youthfulness and Christmas spirit out in all of us. He's playful, funny and lets us all feel that we can be a little more at ease during our daily duties," Blaquiere said. "Quite frankly, Santa sets the tone for us all and provides us with a sense of well being."