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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Olivia Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Kentucky National Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 teamed up for the annual Operation Military Cheer to benefit military families during the holiday. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Over the past several years, Home Builders Care, in partnership with Members of the Home Builders Association of Lexington have collected toys, bicycles, clothing, musical instruments and gift cards that have been distributed to more than 650 Kentucky Guard families.
Operation Military Cheer has become a momentous occasion for the local community and military families needing a little help around the holiday season. This year was no exception.
Sgt. Stephanie Williams and Sgt. 1st Class Charity Lane help load donations from the Home Builders Association in Lexington, Ky., Dec. 11, 2015. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
“In 2011, we started a non-profit here at the Home Builders Association called Home Builders Care. Our involvement in Operation Military Cheer has grown tremendously, especially this year,” said Treasurer Don Sullivan. “It is well worth the work and preparation. This is my Christmas.”
Once the toys were collected at the Home Builders Association in Lexington, they were transported to the “North Pole” at the American Legion Auxiliary in Anderson County. Donations flooded Unit 34, ranging from large corporations to single contributors. Ale 8, Mayfield Academy, The Lexington Church and tenants at Bluegrass Army Depot also took the opportunity to help out.
Once the items were organized by local volunteers, they were sent to 16 armories across the state. From Pikeville to Murray, 148 families, including 379 children, will have a little more to smile about this Christmas.
Child and Youth Programs Coordinator Linda Jones shared their reason for the season, “It not only warms my heart to see all these kids get gifts for Christmas that wouldn’t have otherwise, but it warms my heart to see fellow military families and the community step up and take care of these kids for Christmas.
Kentucky National Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 teamed up for the annual Operation Military Cheer to benefit military families during the holiday. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
The Kentucky Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 have spearheaded the drive to serve families in need this holiday season.
On behalf of the State Family Programs Office, we would like to thank everyone for their contributions and sacrifices made to provide help to our families. If you would like to learn more about this program or are a Service member in need of assistance, please call 1-800-372-7601 opt 1.
Story and photos by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Conner and Savannah Morris check out a Kentucky National Guard Humvee as part of the Military Child Appreciation Day activities, April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter)
View more photos from the event by clicking this link
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. – The Kentucky National Guard sponsored a Military Child Appreciation Day for all dependents from all branches of the military on April 28 at the American Legion Post 24 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. More than 200 children of active duty, National Guard and reserve troops attended the free event, which included art and crafts activities, puppet shows, bean bag toss, archery, face painting, food and drinks.
Caiden, son of Staff Sgt. Aaron Halvorson stands in front of a Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter shortly after it landed as part of the Military Child Appreciation Day activities, April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter)
The day began with a Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter landing at the Healing Field in Lawrenceburg, Ky. Children watched in amazement as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathon Tidei and his crew touched down on a beautiful Saturday morning.
After preparing the aircraft, the crew gave all the kids an opportunity to ask questions, check out the cockpit controls, and have pictures made in the helicopter.
“I want to be a pilot one day,” announced David Sommerfield, son of Lt. Col. Paul Sommerfield from the Army Reserve 95th Training Division, as he sat in the pilot seat and smiled for the camera.
Moving into the event, children registered then picked out a backpack donated by Backpack Angel, a Louisville-based service organization.
David Sommerfield, son of Lt. Col. Paul Sommerfield of the Army Reserves 95th Training Division gets a feel for the controls of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter shortly after it landed as part of the Military Child Appreciation Day activities, held on April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter)
Angie Morris, wife of Staff Sgt. Christopher Morris, was ‘blown away’ by the offerings at the event.
“I have a four and a six year old, and was thinking that we would only be there for about 45 minutes,” she said. “I was so impressed and we all had a lot of fun. It was well organized and all of the crafts and activities were great for all ages. We ended up staying for more than three hours!”
After choosing their favorite color backpack Conner and Savannah Morris stopped to have their picture in front of a Kentucky Nation Guard Humvee, before picking up some popcorn donated by the Boy Scouts.
The souvenir of the day was the wax hand art project.
“That was my favorite,” said Morris. “I now have a keepsake to remind me of how tiny their hands are.”
Children enjoyed all kinds of activities including an opportunity to practice their archery skills. Scott Callahan, member of the Guard Teen Panel, insured the kids were safe and provided some useful coaching tips.
Jonathan Olmsted, son of Sgt. 1st Class Branden Olmsted from the 2nd Battalion 138th Field Artillery, receives an archery lesson from Pfc. Scott Callahan, member of the Guard Teen Panel at the Military Child Appreciation Day held on April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter)
The kids had a great time creating sand art, coloring piggy banks, and visiting the face-painting booth.
“They had so much fun and were the envy of all the other children at the ballpark as they proudly maintained and displayed their face paintings during our afternoon games,” said Col. Brian Wertzler.
The opinion about the day could be summed up by Lt. Col. William Ewing who said, “Both of my six year old daughters thoroughly enjoyed the day and have already been asking when can we do it again?”
While the Military Child Appreciation Day was the capstone for the Month of the Military Child, more events are planned throughout the summer. Make sure you don’t miss a single opportunity and stay informed by following us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KentuckyGuard.
 Donna Campbell and Hayley Lay show off their face paint and enjoy some popcorn while standing in line for pizza and other treats at the Military Child Appreciation Day held on April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter) |
 Sgt. Nat Guard getting a “high five” at the Military Child Appreciation Day, held on April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st. Lt. Mark Slaughter) |
