460th Operations Group Det. 1 reports success in 2009 gift drive

BOULDER, Colo. -- Volunteers from 460th Operations Group Detachment 1 pose with second-graders from Alsup Elementary in Commerce City, Colo. Dec. 17, 2009, after their gift drive. The volunteers raised $3,600 for blankets, sweatshirts and toys for each student as well as school supplies, playground equipment and a $250 gift card for the teachers. (U.S. Air Force photo)

BOULDER, Colo. -- Posing with Santa Claus and second-graders from Alsup Elementary in Commerce City, Colo., Dec. 17, 2009, are volunteers from 460th Operations Group Detachment 1. These volunteers joined with Space-Based Infrared System Combined Task Force members, the student council at Marino High School and others to share gifts and cookies with the second-grade class. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Published Jan. 11, 2010
By Senior Airman Stephen Musal
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BOULDER, Colo. -- The 460th Operations Group Detachment 1 held a successful gift drive for second grade students at Alsup Elementary in Commerce City, Colo., this year.

A few days before Christmas, more than 20 volunteers escorted Santa Claus to the school to visit with the children and pass out gifts.

"The kids were very grateful and the joy in their eyes was immeasurable," said Lt. Col. Robert Myhre, 460th OG Det. 1 commander. "After sharing gifts and cookies we encouraged the students to focus and work hard in school. It was rewarding to be able to help needy children, especially during such tough economic times."

Staff Sgt. Alex Walker coordinated the event for the operations group, assisted by Master Sgt. Jessica Swick, 8th Space Warning Squadron, and Mara Corzine, Alsup Elementary teacher.

Also assisting in the drive was the student council at Marino High School, as well as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Scitor and Ciber employees from the Space-Based Infrared System Combined Task Force in Boulder.

The team raised $3,600 in donations - enough for every child to receive a blanket, a hooded sweatshirt and a toy. Additionally, the team donated school supplies, playground equipment and a $250 gift card to the second-grade teachers.

"I just hope we were able to make a positive impact on their lives," Colonel Myhre said.