Cookie Capers baked, bagged, delivered goods

  • Published
  • By Airman Anthony Jennings
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs`
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Severe weather and heavy rain didn't dampen the holiday spirit nor prevent Cookie Capers from spreading a bit of "sweet" Christmas joy to Airmen and Naval School Explosive Ordinance Disposal students living in the dorms. 

Volunteers from across Team Eglin and the Air Force Enlisted Village residents made, donated and bagged cookies during the Cookie Capers distribution, Dec. 10. The treats were for those living in base dorms who are celebrating the holidays away from family or loved ones. 

This year, the task for preparation and planning for the event was in the hands of the 46th Test Wing and Col. Jeffrey Murray, 46th TW vice commander, took charge. 

Preparation for the event began at 6 a.m., when volunteers gathered at the East and West Gate Chapels to set up and bag the treats. Thousands of cookies were piled high and bagged as an assembly line of volunteers placed each bag of treats into decorated holiday paper bags while listening to holiday music. 

"I volunteered because I know what it was like to spend your holidays in the dorms and away from family and loved ones," said Master Sgt. Harriet Early, 46th Range Support Squadron and Cookie Caper volunteer. "This can be a very lonely time of the year, especially for those Airmen celebrating the holidays away from home, so it only makes sense to give back." 

Most of the cookies donated were made by the residents of the Air Force Enlisted Village. They were enthusiastic about the opportunity to help brighten the holiday season for the Airmen. 

"We always like to volunteer. It's our way of giving back for all the things that our military are giving us, freedom and hope," said Janet Mosier, Air Force Enlisted Teresa Village resident and Cookie Caper volunteer. "I say a prayer every time I bag some cookies that the Airmen receiving these will be blessed and safe ... they could be one of our own kids." 

First sergeants, senior NCOs, command chiefs and commanders picked up and delivered cookies to all occupied dorm residents. Severe weather and the possibility of lightning threatened the plans for the cookies distribution. Safety was the main concern. Despite a steady heavy downpour, they decided to press on and deliver the goods. 

Teams of two and three people distributed the treats on each floor of the dorms. Each bag was hung from the doorknob with care. 

"Our military is a family community, it's imperative we look after each other," said Sergeant Early. 

Although cookies alone might not bring the feeling of home for the holidays, the care and effort put in each bag may help remind Airmen they always have family within Team Eglin.