Santa’s Blog
Santa extends his magical skills by learning how to meet with special-needs children
Shore Mall Santa Richard “Bucky” Buxton, of Hamilton Township, NJ is featured in this news article published in the Press of Atlantic City:
Read News Article from the Press of Atlantic City.
News Article Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2011 8:09 pm
By LEE PROCIDA, The Press of Atlantic City
Posted in 
Lt. Cmdr. J.R. Arthur, USN-Ret., fills Santa Boots
December 2, 2011 | 
Author
Recently published in “The Retired Officer’s Magazine”:
Santa and Mrs. Claus (a.k.a. J.R. And Sharon (NOT CAROL) Arthur)
Vice President, Military Support Programs -Santa America, Inc.
President Obama Presents the “Call to Service” Award
Santa America is pleased to congratulate McGuire Veterans Medical Center Volunteer
Gordy Smith for Receiving The Presidential Service Award
5000 Hours
Gordy received his Presidential Call to Service lapel pin
and a signed letter from President Obama
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service and is administered by the Points of Light Institute.
Gordy with Claus, Santa A. USMC
November 20th 2011
HERE COME SANTA AMERICA’S 2011 “TEEN ELVES!!”
Bayside Academy Elves are ready for their 6th season!
Santa America is proud to introduce our 2011 Teen Elves!
Students from Bayside Academy in Daphne, Alabama are participating in their 6th year as Santa America Teen Elves. They are joined this year by students from Fairhope High School in Fairhope. Alabama who are forming their own Elf chapter.
Teen Elves accompany Santa America Santas on visits with our special children and their families. Teen elves begin their freshman or sophomore year with participation in community holiday events. They progress as juniors and seniors to visits at assisted living facilities, abuse shelter, hospitals and hospices.
Fairhope High School Elves join Santa John Dorgan for 2011 holidays!
Teen Elves are an important part of a Santa America visit. It is not unusual for special needs children and their siblings to be drawn to visiting Teen Elves! Teen Elves focus on siblings and family while Santa visits with the special needs child. Children have an inexhaustible list of “Elf Questions!” Teen Elves really represent Love! Hope! And Joy! to our special families. Teen Elves also get the opportunity to work with the “elder” Santa generation on a 3-4 generation team of Santa America volunteers in a variety of health care settings.
Teen Elves will receive special orientation and training from representatives of area hospitals, hospices, military facilities and community special needs advocacy groups. Over the six years of the program, a number of Teen Elves have gone on to education, training and careers in health care!
Teen Elves design and assemble their own costumes and they are very creative! This year, each Teen Elf group will create their own FaceBook page to highlight their activities. They will also assist Santa America with its Facebook and YouTube pages as well as other social media that are a “challenge“for this Santa!
Welcome 2011 Teen Elves! Love! Hope! And Joy! to each and every one of you! Remember……….It is always………… “Elf before Self!”
(Santa America Santa: Want to start a Teen Elf Program in your community? Contact Santa Ernest at santaernest@santa-america.org for details).
Santa Iceman featured in “Front Porch Magazine”
A Santa Moment on the Front Porch with Claus, Santa A. USMC & Elf Noel
This article is published in the November issue of the “Front Porch Magazine”. It was a response to questions about how Denny Iceman became Santa. What is Santa’s message to his children and the community as a whole? I believe this response benefits the entire community. I hope you like it. Click hereto read it.
Denny Iceman
Santa’s ‘Convoy of Toys’ Bring Happiness to Bastrop, Texas
Convoy of Toys
Please click the image to read the article
(PDF file 373KB)
SANTA TOUCHES 3…..EVEN 4 GENERATIONS!
Just like most of you, Elizabeth and I spent time watching the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001. We were all touched by the personal stories of service and sacrifice that occurred. For me, hearing the little children reading their parent’s name during the remembrances about broke my heart. That, and Paul Simon singing “Sound of Silence” was almost too emotional for me to process.
I remember sitting in front of the TV on 9/11/2001 and for days afterward, wanting to make a contribution….something that would help…..mostly, I was angry and wanted to lock & load and kick some terrorist booty! In the end, the very best of our uniquely American values were demonstrated during and after this despicable, morally bankrupt attack. We are still the best collective example of mankind on earth.
Watching this all again during the anniversary observances, it occurred to me that the seed of Santa America was actually planted 10 years ago………….what can older Americans do to help folks facing terrible challenges…..especially families with little children. I don’t run the 40 in 5.0 any more……sure can’t bench 250# ……can’t see my toes to touch them! I can barely hold a minute of an angle out to 200 yards…….just getting old (the alternative is just not acceptable!).
BUT, I do have a lifetime of wisdom and perspective that comes from walking the walk. I do have an in exhaustible supply of Love, Hope and Joy! And…in Santa America, I have a service organization that actually values my age and the wisdom it brings. Santa America is one of the few……national non-profit service organization whose dedicated “senior” volunteers reach out across 3 even 4 generations to touch children and families in need. We are 100% pure GOOD in a world with some dark corners……..
So this blog is for you, Santa America volunteers, staff and supporters. We’re about to enter the 2011 holiday season with the opportunity to touch lives in a gentle way with Love, Hope and Joy! across generations…across years…..across lives.
Santa America is blessed to have you on the team!
Love! Hope! And Joy!
Santa Ernest
Oh, for a Peaceful Night of Sleep!
I have been having a terrible time sleeping and it seems an alarm clock in my body wakes me every night at 2:20am, 3:15am, 4:20am and 5:10am. Getting back to sleep doesn’t come easily as my mind replays the day’s events and issues I’m concerned with. I have Diabetes and poor sleep is a symptom of this disease.
I have talked to other Santas who are having the same problem This made me curious about sleep loss and I found some interesting information which I have included in the following article. This and other information concerning sleep disorders may be found at the Center for Disease Control, CDC.gov
To read the full article : SLEEP ARTICLE
.
.
Wishing you Love! Hope! And Joy! and a good night’s rest! Santa Lou Knezevich
Santa America International Advisory Council
Palm Tree Santas Drill Team
| Having trouble viewing this email? Click here |
|
 |
 |
SANTA BRINGS HEALTHY EATING CHEER TO SPRINGHILL MEDICAL CENTER
Santa Ernest joined the Dietary staff of Springhill Medical Center in Mobile, Alabama to bring some “July Holiday Cheer” to patients, visiting family and staff. Under the direction of Chief Dietitian, Leslie James, RN, Santa and hospital staff visited patients and distributed “healthy snacks” to one and all!
SpringHill Medical Center has consistently rated 98% + in patients surveys for meals and snacks (imagine, hospital food that tastes good and is good for you). The Center operates on 24 hour availability for three meals a day!! Patients can order their meal of choice, in their order of choice 24 hours a day! In addition, Springhill offers “Healthy Snack” alternatives to patients on both general and restricted diets. Santa visited to pass out the healthy goodies!
Santa America is committed to national initiatives fostering healthy eating. Pediatric obesity and resulting diabetes are the biggest medical epidemics facing our children today! Santa America visits hospitals abd clinics nationwide to support healthy eating alternatives.
SANTA AMERICA IS US MARINE CORP “GUNG HO! HO! HO!”
August 12, 2011 | Author
Santa Jack and Mrs (Sharon) Claus has been working with Santa Ted and Mrs. (Anne) Claus Caldwell of Suffolk, Va. to set up a meeting with the American Red Cross and the Operational Forces Medical Liaison Office (OFMLO) at Portsmouth Naval Hospital.
Mission accomplished!!
We visited with the command and medical staffs and the various departments in the hospital. Sharon wore a Summer Mrs. Claus outfit and I, of course, wore my USMC Santa BDU’s. ‘Twas a bit warm, but nowhere nearly as warm as the reception! we received!
I want to tell you, it was impossible to walk more than ten feet without having our photos taken with Sailors, Marines, Civilians, Doctors, Nurses, Corpsmen, and, of course, Parents and Children. We were even invited to go into the Medical Records Office for photos of Santa reviewing a (mock) medical record. (Please note….all Santa America Santas are trained in HIPPA as part of their hospice/hospital volunteer training to respect patient privacy. This picture is of Santa with a mock record NOT a real medical file)
We had a 5 minute “pop-in” visit scheduled with executive staff that turned out to extend to the better part of an hour. During our visit, Sharon, Santa Ted, Anne and I were able to present the Santa America Military Support Program much in the manner that I included in the June Santa America blog. We explained (to their delight) that our program is 365 day/year around in support of our Wounded Warriors and their families.
We then went to the ward for Wounded Warriors and visited a newly arrived Marine.
LCpl. Brian Prendergast had just arrived from Afghanistan earlier in the day and was undergoing “in-processing.” In addition, we visited with nearly a dozen Marines who were recovering and undergoing rehabilitation. When Sharon and I walked into the room, you should have seen the smiles and grins!! Being US Marines , they called me to attention, inspected me thoroughly and then pronounced that the USMC obviously had their own Santa!! “Santa is now proudly 100% US Marine Corp “Gung Ho! Ho! Ho!”
Please recognize as Santa America volunteers and supporters how very important it is to have the opportunity to meet on-site with the staff in charge of the Wounded Warrior/Safe Harbor and the Family Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (FMWR) programs at the various garrisons/stations/bases around the U.S. It is so much more effective than email and phone contacts, as it gives the command and medical staffs the opportunity to learn about our program and to see Santa and Mrs. Claus as they visit and interact with the troops, families and staff.
We look forward to serving our very special military and their families at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in 2010 and beyond. Semper Fi!! And Gung Ho! Ho! H0!
Santa Joins Autism Children in a Summer Splash Bash!
August 9, 2011 | Author
On Saturday, July 16, Santa visited the children of the Autism Society of the Heartland at the annual Splash Bash – yes, Santa went swimming!! This is one of the highlights of Santa’s summer. It is great to see the development of children. In past years, many have been scared of the water. But they are now swimming, putting their head under water, and splashing Santa. Santa can get low in the water which is much less intimidating to the children than standing over them in a red and white formal suit. Also, because of repeat visits, the children are now more comfortable than they would be only seeing Santa one time per year.
Santa John Scheuch
[nggallery id=6]
Elf Nita Ready to Help New Santa America Volunteers
July 28, 2011 | Author
Hello all! Hope this is a good summer for you and yours, and you’re enjoying some calm(er) periods of reflection before the rush of the upcoming Holiday Season. I’m whining less since I’m spending a good part of the summer in Wisconsin, rather than along the Gulf Coast. These Wisconsinites just think they have high humidity…..!!!
It’s been a very productive six months for Santa-America in terms of new Santa volunteers becoming part of our special Santa Team. So far in 2011, we have added 29 new Santas from 17 different states! A few were added from states that didn’t have a Santa before this year. That’s great!!!
As you know, we are expanding the number and scope of our Santa America service programs, so there are now more areas where a Santa can specialize in his commitment to say, military or autism or emergency disaster responses or with our founding core mission serving children in hospice or hospital. Pick a program(s) and follow your heart!
Remember, a Santa may become Santa America compliant through volunteering with a hospice organization OR by volunteering at a Hospital with a pediatric program. You must do one or the other to become a Santa America Santa. This is our “basic training,” just like the military.
Folks who are considering joining Santa America can contact Santa Bob Elkin or me, and we’ll guide you through the application and qualification process. Go the the “Governance” tab on this website and click on “Executive Committee” for our contact information.
I see on “Facebook” that many of you are busy during the summer. I love to hear what y’all are doing during the “other 10 months of the year!”
Sending Love, Hope and Joy to you all (y’all) from Wonderful Wisconson!!
Elf Nita
SUMMER DOLDRUMS! WHAT SUMMER DOLDRUMS??
July 25, 2011 | Author
It’s 90/90 time here in Southwest Alabama (90+ degrees F and 90% humidity!!). I’m in red shorts and a red tee shirt, and hydrating like crazy! Believe me, I’m not complaining as the mid-west and northeast are locked into temperatures 10-15 degrees hotter!!
This is supposed to be a “quiet” time for Santa America……..instead the Santa America national staff is moving at full speed! We are at a whole new level of national planning and delivery of our mission of bringing Love, Hope and Joy to special children and their families. Many of you know I am proud to be a former (retired?!) GE executive from the Jack Welch era. Jack is still recognized as the world’s finest operations oriented CEO. His leadership got a lot accomplished with a lean, focused, and committed workforce, and we are doing the same here at Santa America. I’m sure he would be challenging us to deliver toys from a larger sleigh pulled by FIVE (and try four!!) tiny reindeer!!
We are committed to planning excellence….never ever forgetting our motto “Elf Before Self.” We are about compassionate/personal Santa visits by very special Santa America volunteers to some very special children and their families!
We have some pretty special (cool really….I need to think cool) things underway that I want to share with you……
We are forming a National Emergency Response Program that will provide national and international leadership, coordination, funding and support to regional Santa groups. We are all proud of the incredible visit to the tornado victims (and emergency responders) at Oklahoma City and Joplin by the Texas based Lone Star Santas!! The LSS are at work putting an operating model together for regional Santa groups to review and use. Santa Bob Elkin has agreed to act as Santa America’s Vice President for the next 2-3 months and will coordinate regional responses with the Red Cross, FEMA, Salvation Army and state and local emergency responders. Our goal: to bring Love, Hope and Joy and some precious toys to children in shelters who have lost everything.
Keep an eye on Santa Wyeth Hatfield our new Vice President, Autism Support Programs. Santa Wyeth is building on the solid platform of web based training and a special web-based pre-visit orientation designed for children with autism that were developed by acting Director Santa John Scheuch in 2009-2010. Santa Wyeth brings solid experience in strategic planning, program development and delivery all combined with a Santa’s heart. Santa John laid the foundation…Santa Wyeth is building the workshop! We are all learning from him!
Santa Jack Arthur is leading our Military Support Programs through a period of (pardon the phrase) explosive growth! We concentrated on the US Army in 2010. Look for 100+ Santa visits to all branches of the military + VA hospitals + USO’s +++++. Volunteer Santas, you can now join Santa America and concentrate your volunteer work JUST on military visits. Santa Jack is finalizing a special military Santa suit based on the US Army’s BDU (battle dress uniform)/CDU US Marine Corp’s (combat dress uniform). Santas, (Size 3X and smaller please), are encouraged to join the team.
Santa Lou Knezevich is developing some pretty unique projects in National Santa & Public Health Support. Our 2012 Santa calendar has identified 7 of the 12 Santas and Mrs. Claus who will represent each month. Look for some break through relationships with healthy eating restaurant chains this year. Look for Santa Lou’s sound and sensible blog articles on being a healthier Santa role model of our children. Remember, childhood obesity is the #1 healthcare epidemic facing our children. Long live “an apple a day and homemade chicken soup!!” I hear a national restaurant chain may be developing a special taste good and healthy chocolate chip cookie as part of its support of Santa America!!
Our own Santa Bob Elkin, Vice President of National Santa Relations is spreading the word on joining Santa America throughout the land. Armed with a video on the Santa America core mission developed by Santa Phil Wenz and reinforced by the “soon to be famous Palm Tree Santas Drill Team,” Santa Bob’s commitment has resulted in 4+ new Santa America volunteers joining every month! Contact Santa Bob and join the team!
Our very own Elf Nita Mickwee, Vice President, Santa Administration is getting new Santa volunteers cleared and posted on the Map of America is quickly as possible. Look for a 100% web based application form in the near future. Please note: Elf Nita is a diehard Auburn fan in a sea of Alabama Crimson Tide! Believe me, she can gain yardage and get the job done!
Finally, please give a huge Thank You to our webmaster, Elf Dan Therrell for the continued development of our website! We love the rotating pictures on the home page ++++++
That’s it for now. I’m off for some hummus on whole grain, an apple and a bottle of H20!
Love, Hope and Joy to you and yours!
Santa Ernest
“Santa Drill Team Celebrates an Old Fashioned July 4th in Style!!”
July 21, 2011 | Author
Click to See Video - Palm Tree Santas
The Palm Tree Santa Drill Team celebrated the Fourth of July in the small town of Safety Harbor, Florida. We marched in the Parade to the cheers and salutes of several thousand people lining the streets of the beautiful little town. We were led by our “”Majorette,” Elf Jolly and were accompanied by Santa Dan on his motorized Trike displaying the Flags of our Armed Forces and the National Ensign. The parade was sponsored and organized by the local American Legion Post, Immediately after the parade the Drill Team was honored to have the opportunity to present our “Patriotic Salute” as we were invited to present the entire special Patriotic ceremony in Safety Harbor’s town gazebo and park. It was an good old fashion American celebration with families sitting on the grass under the shade of the oak trees as we performed our version of Red Skelton’s Pledge of Allegiance, and The Story of the Star Spangled Banner followed by the fantastic singing of our national Anthem by our very own 16 year old Drill Instructor, and Eagle Scout, Elf Noel. We closed our performance with our Memorial Prayer to our Veterans followed by the playing of Taps and the singing of God Bless America by our very talented, Santa Frank. Afterwards, the children in attendance were given our “Pride, Honor and Courage” wristbands and autographed photos of the Team.
A Gift For Santa
Hanging over the doorway of our kitchen (under which we pass uncounted times every day) is a tissue paper craft rainbow. When walking under this rainbow and acknowledging its presence, any troubles I think I have fade into near-nothingness.
This gift of a rainbow given to Santa came from a very special young child.
I received it during my first full-scale visit to St. Jude Tri-Cities Affiliate Clinic. Even with my education, background, training and experience; I was nervous as I arrived. There were a number of children there that beautiful Spring day. Each and every child, from the youngest to the oldest, was an inspiration to me, and I soon felt right at home.
I moved from room to room, taking whatever time required, or seemed appropriate with each child and family. I read or told stories, answered questions, and we played games. I listened closely as some of them told me stories.
I had been informed there was one little boy who was very engaging.
Marinda McConnell, Child Life Program Manager at the Niswonger Childrens Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center and St. Jude Tri-Cities Affiliate Clinic in Johnson City, Tenn., announced through his nearly-closed door that he had a visitor on the way to his room.
Santa! he exclaimed, hearing the sleigh bells on my boots as I walked up the hall.
Entering his room, I saw his eyes were dancing as his smile and excitement filled the room. It may have seemed like Christmas morning all over again for him.
He had been working on a paper mache rainbow and was awaiting lunch with his mother at his side. His laughter was like the sounds of happiness and joys from a Christmas morning, all wrapped into one special little boy.
Lunch, for him, came though a plastic tube which fed directly into his stomach. It has been this way almost his entire life.
He had been diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia, a blood disorder that leads to bone marrow failure and various types of cancer and leukemia.
Lunch was also some small bites of his favorites, salted fries and a grilled burger. Not being able to swallow the tidbits, he took them in his mouth, wrestled them around his tongue, savoring every nuance and distinction of flavor, fair and foul. From each and every bite he extracted the essence of the flavors and juices and aromas, discarding the remnants, ready for another flavor filled treasure.
Each bite he took in, savored and discarded once again. All the while we talked, laughed, played and he continued working on the paper mache rainbow. His hands twisted, he labored to finish as he labored also to guide food to his mouth. And he laughed at the simple joys of living and the excitement of the day.
Before me was this child who savored life as he savored his lunch, tasting every moment, every flavor and even the sour notes.
Witnessing this young man, full of energy and life, overcoming many physical challenges (most adults could not deal with) reinforced my understanding of the Sacredness of each and every child and of life itself.
His spirit shined through so brightly as to make his physical impairments nearly vanish into nothingness. His boundless energy flowed through and beyond the walls of his room, spilling over and being felt through the entire clinic I have no doubt.
The simple joy of living life seemed to come so naturally to him. I barely saw his physical impairments at all. I just saw this bright, shining, little boy whose spirit could not be confined within his imperfect body. His joy of life filled the room and all who came near him.
I had gone to the clinic to try and spread a little Christmas Joy, perhaps brighten some childs day. As I left that day, it was with renewed vigor and a brightened Spirit, lifted up by this glowing little boy so full of energy and life, housed in that small fragile body.
So thats why above our doorway is a rainbow. And this little paper rainbow sheds a most incredible light that helps guide me on my path and my reindeer steer their sleigh.
Santa
Bill McKee is a “Santa of the Heart ” and brings joy to so many children in the Tri-State area. He is also the editor and publisher of the North Pole Observer which is a publication for the Santa Comunity.
On Being A Hospice Santa – Part Three
This is Part THREE of the three part series on being a hospice Santa. Santa John Scheuch is the Vice President of Santa America’s Hospice & Hospital Support Services. He is a founding Santa America Santa and a leader in volunteer hospice support.
The Bereavement Visit……………
These are visits that occur after a close relative has died. Children handle grief differently than adults. Children may get sad for a few minutes, but then appear happy and carefree five minutes later. Over time the sadness isn’t as deep, and the time between episodes gets longer……but they still have the sad feelings. We can not minimize them, and need to address them straight on. Ask a child what kinds of things they used to do with their loved one. Or what they might do as a special remembrance for the person who died. Ask about favorite memories. But only do these things if the child wishes to talk about the subject.
My wife and I volunteer at a pediatric bereavement camp. While playing cars with two children about 7 years old, one little boy said “My daddy died”. The second boy said “My daddy died, too”. My wife said “My daddy died, too”. And the boys just kept on playing cars. While it was a tragic event for these children, they were coping. They just needed some reassurance that it was okay.
The Palliative Care Visit…………
Many Hospice organizations also offer palliative care. This is care for children that, while not necessarily terminal, is life long care. This includes children with severe genetic disorders and children that are bed-ridden or housebound. Many times these children do not recognize Santa, but can sense the joy that his visit brings to the family. These visits are a huge benefit the family, and they are visits that have taught me the true meaning of “Unconditional Love.”
I visited a family two years in a row whose son is bed ridden. He is on a respirator. The breathing tube needs to be cleaned about every 15 minutes. Whoever is closest just does it. There is no “I did it last time.” Or “It’s your turn.” They just do it to make him more comfortable. Santa needs to take his turn.
What is Your Calling?
Any of us are capable of making Santa hospice visits. Training is available from on how to prepare for volunteer visits from your local Hospice organization. Santa-America builds on this basic training with courses at Santa gatherings or blog articles like this. The number one thing to remember is you are visiting children. They are the same as other children you visit. They just have been handed some special challenges. With the proper preparation, you can make these visits very positive for the child and their family………. And you will learn a lot about yourself in the process!
On Being a Hospice Santa – Part Two
The following is PART TWO in the three part series on being a hospice Santa. Santa John Scheuch is the Vice President of Santa America’s Hospice & Hospital Support Services. He is a founding Santa America Santa and a leader in volunteer hospice support.
The Pediatric Hospice visit………….
For most Santas, this is the most difficult visit of all we do. As we learned at the first ever Santa-America meeting in 2006, all Santas are afraid of three things:
1) I won’t know what to say
2) I’m afraid I’ll say the wrong thing
3) I’m afraid I’ll “break down” while I am there
First and foremost, you are visiting a CHILD. They just happen to have a life threatening illness. Focus on the positive. Do not shy away from asking these children what they want for Christmas. They may answer they want to get better, or they want to not hurt. And they may admit to being scared. It’s okay. Santa needs to be prepared to handle these responses. Prior to the visit, get information about the child – wants, likes, dislikes, friends, favorite foods, favorite toys or TV shows – good information to talk about that is not focused on the illness. Talk to the children about their fears and their hurts only if they bring it up. If it is appropriate and asked by the family, offer to pray with them. Remember, focus on the child. If the child feels tired or uncomfortable, it is OK to shift your attention to siblings and parents. It is OK to extend…or shorten a visit based on how the child is feeling. If you feel emotions coming on, just get up and excuse yourself for a few minutes. Please do not stay and try to hang tough. If you start getting emotional, the family and often the child focus on comforting you! Best to leave for a minute to check on the reindeer and make sure they are OK.
I had a child that was nearing death ask if he was going to die. I answered honestly that I did not know. But if he did, I knew that he would not have to take yucky medicine anymore, that he would not hurt, and he would be able to do the things he wanted to do again. And then I shifted to a happier topic.
This is where the visits to adult hospice patients really pays off. Believe me, you will be much more comfortable with hospice after you have visited as an adult volunteer at your local hospice.
Also remember, we have a special book, “An Angel in the Sky” by Sheila Booth-Alberstadt. It is a pioneering work written for a child in hospice. You can read it or leave it as a gift.
Always remember, it is “ELF before SELF particularly when visiting a child.
Military Support Program Gains Steam!
The Military Support Program is REALLY picking up steam!! Sharon (my Mrs. Claus) and I had an opportunity to visit again with the staff of the US Army Family Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Command.
It was a joy accepting the praise that was heaped on Santa America on behalf of the Santas and Mrs. Claus who did all the visiting this past Season!!
A HUGE SANTA SALUTE to:
Santa John Adams (Ft Irwin, Ca),
Santa(s) Anonymous (3 Visits) (Ft Dix, NJ)
Santa Rick Clements (2 visits) (Ft. Carson, Co),
Santa Bill Dexter (West Point, NY),
Santa Jerry and Carol Dryer (Ft. Carson, Co),
Santa Patrick Faulds (Ft. Jackson, SC),
Santa David Himes (Ft. Belvoir, Va),
Mrs. Nancy “Claus” Jones (THREE VISITS!!) (Ft Jackson, SC),
Santa John Leaf (2 visits) (Ft Richardson, Ak),
Santa Claud McPherson (Ft. Polk, La),
Santa Al Motter (2 visits)(Ft. Carson, Co),
Santa Dale and Trish Parris (Walter Reed Hosp),
Santa Rex and Darline Ray (2 visits) (Ft Rucker, Al),
Santa John Scheuch (Ft Riley Ks),
Santa Paul Sheehan (2 visits) (Ft. Eustis, Va)
Fr. Santa Dave Shoemaker (2 visits) (Ft. Benning, Ga),
Santa Rodney Smith (2 visits) (Ft. Belvoir, Va),
Santa Dave Nation (Ft. Meade, Md), – event cancelled while enroute –ice storm
Santa Jerry Owens (Ft. Knox, Ky), – event cancelled while en-route: weather
FINAL TOTAL: 28 (30) visits by 21 Santas/Mrs. Claus to 15 separate Army Garrisons.
In addition, Santa Bob Elkin, Vice President, Santa Relations made a trip to visit with the North East Santa luncheon on Cape Cod and enlisted the volunteer efforts of 24 of their very capable Santas. Following that very successful recruitment campaign, Santa Bob, The Palm Tree Santa Drill Team, my Mrs. Claus and I visited Santa Claus, Indiana for a wonderful weekend of camaraderie with Santas from all over the U.S.A. If you were not there, you missed a wonderful get-together!! With Santa Bob in the lead, we received commitments from 30 more Santas!
On our departure from Santa Claus, Indiana on our way home to Pensacola, Florida, Sharon and I visited four of the Army Garrisons who are interested in the Santa America Military Support Program. We visited with each base’s Family Morale, Welfare, and Recreation folks and introduced the Santas and Mrs. Claus who will be supporting these bases in 2011.
We also let them know that Santa and Mrs. Claus are available to visit:
- Units and organizations celebrating their scheduled Holiday event.
- Units that had been deployed over the Holiday Season and who, upon return, desire to have a “Celebration upon Return!”
- Units that will be deploying and will not return until after the next Holiday Season and wish a pre-deployment party.
- Tree lightings (of course).
- Greeting Units upon their return (Having been a Naval Aviator for a career, I can attest to the fact that the “fly-in” is a time of great joy and celebration).
- Meeting with our returning Wounded Warriors when appropriate in their recovery/rehabilitation to express the thanks of a grateful Nation!
- Supporting a family with a child undergoing PTSD (present traumatic stress disorder) due to the deployment of one or both parents.
- Visit with terminally ill service members or children who are not expected to make it to the following holiday season (See Santa John Scheuch’s blog entitled “Snow for Mason”).
So you can see we really have vastly expanded the MWR’s concept of what Santa America can do and how they may be of value to our military.
As I stated in the Feb 16 blog, we hope to expand this program to the 100 base visits for this coming Season. I know Sharon and I can line up the bases, forts, air stations, and garrisons………now YOU need to step forward and volunteer to be a base Santa.
It is among THE MOST REWARDING and NECESSARY volunteer Santa service you can perform.
With Love, Hope, and Joy!
Santa Jack Arthur
email: Santajack@Santa-America.org
Vice President, Military Support Programs