Trees for Troops brings holiday cheer to 380 AEW team

Published Nov. 25, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Michael Means
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Many members of the United States armed forces are serving away from home and one organization is determined to deliver them holiday spirit - one tree at a time.

The Trees for Troops program brought together FedEx and the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation to deliver 50 trees from Dull's Tree Farm in Indiana to Airman here Nov. 24.

Capt. Carrie Kerner, 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance officer, was determined to find a tree for her Airman here this holiday season.

It all started when an Airman asked Kerner if they could have a tree this holiday season.

"We searched online and found Trees for Troops," said Kerner. "It's a Combined Federal Campaign sponsored organization that ships live holiday trees to bases all around the world to military and their families."

Kerner said the organization was incredibly helpful sending everything they needed for the trees to include stands and decorations.

"When we contacted them they were wonderful," she said. "They wanted to ship us as many trees as we could possible receive."

"The delivery of these Christmas trees to our men and women in uniform is one of our most treasured holiday traditions," said Bill Logue, president and CEO, FedEx Freight. "The holidays are a tremendously busy time for FedEx, but we're honored to be invited to mobilize our logistics network in support of the dedication of America's servicemen and women."

According to Trees for Troops, more than 122,000 free, farm grown Christmas trees have been provided to members every branch of the military at more than 60 bases in 17 countries since 2005.

"It is really hard being away from your family," said Kerner. "I just wanted this holiday to be special for our Airmen and I think this did it."