YAKIMA, Wash.- ‘Tis the season for tree lighting ceremonies including at the Yakima Training Center. YTC rang in the holiday season by providing Christmas trees to service members and opening the post to families.
“Put work aside for a moment and hangout and drink some hot chocolate, bring your kid to sit on Santa’s lap and just enjoy the season for a little bit,” says Garrison Commander Lieutenant Commander Tim Horn.
YTC families were able to sip hot chocolate, enjoy bonfires and meet the one and only Santa Claus. The opportunity to enjoy the time at their workplace is meaningful for military parents like Lt. Col. Horn.
“My daughter was here- got to sit on Santa’s lap for the first time so that’s pretty cool,” says the Garrison Commander.
Santa was a busy man at the event. With kids lining up to meet him and gifting him drawings and Christmas lists, he was able to appreciate the time giving back to the YTC families.
“It doesn’t matter how old or how young the kids are they really light up when they come to see Santa,” says Old Saint Nick.
The event provided 25 trees to military families on the base. A chance for the families to get into the holiday spirit even if they aren’t all in Yakima right now.
“I know the Marines on post have a couple folks that are away at the moment,” says Lt. Col. Horn. “We were able to give the trees to the wives and the families that are back here. Just shows that we care and shows that people are thinking about them and supporting them.”
The new Christmas tree in front of the Visitor’s Center was lit up with a program including Christmas carols from the Selah Middle School Choir.
YTC says the event as a whole serve as a reprieve away from military obligations while giving back to their people.
“A Christmas tree goes a long way in bringing the season together for people that families are separated right now,” says Horn. “If there’s anything we can do to help on that end, we love to do it.”
The Christmas lights are scheduled to be lit up until at least the end of December to allow YTC personnel and the surrounding community to enjoy the festive season.
