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The 311th’s getting back to the basics—one ugly Christmas sweater at a time

  • Published
  • By Capt. Chris Kerker
  • 311th Airlift Squadron
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Phew! So we're done right? The Combined Unit Inspection (to include the Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation) has come and gone, and we all made it through in one piece. So the question becomes, "What do we do now?"

Well, we keep on working of course, but now we have a little more time and energy to devote to the fun stuff that makes being in the Air Force such a great thing. The 311th Airlift Squadron hasn't hesitated in taking the opportunity to focus on what's important during the holidays: togetherness.

Whether we're ransacking our commander's house in celebration of his birthday, deep frying turkeys outside of our hangar to top off our Thanksgiving potluck, or dressing up like Santa Claus during the squadron's Christmas party for the little ones, the general theme is that we're having a blast and doing it together. It's the perfect conclusion to what has been a busy year for our squadron, the 375th Air Mobility Wing, and the Air Force.

Now, in the ultimate culmination of our holiday spirit, the members of the 311th Airlift Squadron are going to descend, in glorious fashion, upon the innocent bystanders of downtown Colorado Springs. With a couple of us wearing Santa and elf costumes and the rest wearing the ugliest Christmas sweaters we can get our hands on, nobody will be safe from our holiday cheer.

It's important to note that while we may look like crazy fanatics, dressed in the most ridiculous attire, the 311th has simply realized that we need to enjoy ourselves and take advantage of this holiday season. What better way to do it than sitting down in front of a big plate of Mexican food with the snow flurrying outside, and Santa and elves chucking gifts at party-goers that are wearing out-of-control Christmas sweaters? There isn't one...and if there is...it's just not our style.

It is important to take a step back and reflect on all we've accomplished during 2011. It's more important to take the time and connect with our fellow Airmen and families during this holiday season. While enjoying the holidays, please keep our Airmen that are deployed and their families in your thoughts and prayers. The 311th Airlift Squadron would like to wish all of the 375th Air Mobility Wing, happy holidays and a happy New Year!