Santa and Chapel hand out stockings

A service member dressed as Santa Claus hands out stockings to 100th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Maintenance Airmen at the 407th Air Expeditionary Group in Southwest Asia Dec. 20, 2017. The stocking are used to help boost morale around the holidays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Edwards/Released)

Santa and Chapel hand out stockings

Master Sgt. Janusz Jaworek, 407th Air Expeditionary Group Ground Safety superintendent, picks up stockings for his office at the 407th AEG in Southwest Asia, Dec. 20, 2017. The 407th AEG Chapel staff handed out stockings it received from a stateside nonprofit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Edwards/Released)

Santa and Chapel hand out stockings

Published Dec. 25, 2017
By Staff Sgt. Joshua Edwards
407th Air Expeditionary Group

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Santa Claus and the 407th Air Expeditionary Group Chapel staff handed out Christmas stockings to American service members and coalition partners Dec. 20.

The chapel received the stockings from a stateside nonprofit that collects gifts from charities and individuals to send overseas.

“[The stockings] are a nice gesture to show someone is looking out for the service members and wants them to experience joy during their time away,” said Capt. Krista Ingram, 407th AEG chaplain. “Everyone who came out to the event seemed to enjoy themselves and have a good time.”

Chapel staff and a service member dressed as Santa Claus also went out and visited night shift workers Dec. 22.

“I absolutely loved having Santa come out to our facility and spread some Christmas joy to us,” said Staff Sgt. Shane Materkowski, 40th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron dining facility NCO in charge. “It’s important for people to come out and see us, especially night workers, because it helps feel like we’re welcomed and get some holiday cheer as well.”