Roughly 2,600 Air Force Basic Military Trainees—most of whom won’t be home for the holidays—were treated to a few hours of cheer at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Exchange.
Trainees were given a rare break from their rigorous schedule Dec. 4 and allowed to shop at the Exchange for holiday gifts for loved ones and family members. Typically, trainees are not allowed to visit the Exchange during basic training.
“All these young people volunteered to come to basic training over the holidays,” said Col. Jeffrey Pixley, commander of the 737th Training Group. “I think it’s a price worth paying to give them a couple hours of normalcy to come shop the Exchange—a place they’ll be familiar with for the rest of their career.”
JBSA-Lackland Exchange opened early to accommodate the trainees, who were bused in from their dormitories. Trainees shopped by squadron and filled their baskets with gifts, including Air Force pride clothing, gift cards, jewelry, holiday cards and squadron swag.
Trainee Chloe Zurinsky, a 19-year-old from Avon, Ohio, was one of the first through the doors.
“I was really excited on the bus ride here,” Zurinsky said. “I want to send my family souvenirs.”
Trainees excitedly perused through the store, taking photos with a Santa donned in camouflage and browsing the aisles for gifts to send home.
“This was my first time here,” said Emmanuel Jones, a 20-year-old trainee from Killeen, Texas, who was away from home for the first time. “I felt welcomed coming in. It felt a lot like being at home.”
After purchasing gifts, trainees were bused to the BMT Reception Center, where local high school ROTC members wrapped packages. UPS, an Exchange vendor partner, was on hand to ship the gifts.
“It is such a rewarding feeling,” said Exchange General Manager Christine Harlan, whose teammates were decked in festive attire and eagerly welcomed trainees throughout the day. “We get to see the trainees during Basic knowing that they are going to be our lifelong customers. It just fills my heart to serve them. This is the reason we do what we do.”
The Corporate Communication team helped hundreds of trainees send real-time greetings to family and friends via Facebook Live—a chance for families to see their Airman for the first time since training began.
In many instances, parents watching back home saw their sons and daughters and left messages in support. Sydney Brewer was watching for a glimpse of her husband, Seth Millett. She connected with him during the feed (here at the 1:40:23 mark).
“I love you! I’m so proud of you,” Brewer wrote to Millett—and he saw her comment in real time.
Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor, shared a special message with recruits, service members and their families during the event.
“You have a great team here,” Pixley said to Osby on the live feed. “The trainees are here to see Santa and their mom and dad—they will have good memories of the Exchange from this.”
The live feeds resonated with viewers across the world, reaching more than 30,900 viewers with more than 6,100 comments, reactions and shares.
“These recruits dedicated their holiday season to prepare to serve our country in the Air Force. For some this is their first time away from home,” Osby said. “Basic military training prepares recruits to become well-rounded Airmen, and the Exchange is proud to work alongside JBSA-Lackland Command to host an event that contributes to that mission.”
Catch up on the fun
View photos of the merriment on Flickr.
Experience the heartfelt holiday greetings from trainees to their loved ones on Facebook here and here.
Leave a Reply