Send holiday cheer home Published Dec. 18, 2012 By by Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airmen, Soldiers and civilians have an opportunity to spread some cheer to their friends and families this holiday season. With the availability of the internet, it is simple to email friends and family a picture, and now the chapel has provided the perfect backdrop, what they call a diorama. Located in front of the Seven Sands Chapel, the diorama picks up from the Thanksgiving scene created in November. The new scene depicts a Santa Claus caravan, and has holes for people to play the part of Santa Claus, a camel or two wise men. "I thought of how laughter can help us get through the holidays, being away from our families and all," said Chaplain (Capt.) Mark McGregor, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing chaplain and project lead. "The diorama provides that opportunity, while giving our family and friends something to smile about too. Now, anyone who wants to create and send a digital Christmas card has a unique setting." The chapel is offering a special Christmas care package to the first flight crew, office or shop that has 100 percent participation of its members in a diorama photo, McGregor said. To win this package take your photos, write down the names of the participants and have the list verified by chapel staff. The diorama was also a community service opportunity, with more than 40 volunteers helping between the Christmas and the Thanksgiving scenes, he said. The 380th Civil Engineer Squadron's structures and self-help shops supplied the plywood, paint, labor and supplies. Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Larsen, 380th AEW wing chaplain and a talented carpenter, oversaw the construction. Staff Sgt. Joe Kelly, 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, designed the Christmas scene. "Kelly did a great job and recruited other Global Hawk Airmen to paint," McGregor said. "A crew from the Expeditionary Maintenance Group quality assurance put the finishing touches on the work of Kelly's crew. They and others show that this season is not only a time to celebrate, but is an opportunity to serve." Not only will the two dioramas get use in 2012, but they will be here for future deployers to create happy memories and fun photos, he said. For photos of your shop, office, flight crew, battalion or flight, the chapel will supply a camera, laptop access and edit the photo. Email McGregor at mark.mcgregor@adab.afcent.af.mil or call 434-3245 to arrange use of a camera and lap-top.