Santa, Blue Star Mothers help children give stockings to deployed parents Published Dec. 6, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Whitney Jackson Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Blue Star Mothers donated their time and money to help 22 students with a deployed parent send stockings to their parents and parents' friends who are deployed over the holidays Dec. 2, 2011, at Lomie Heard Elementary School on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Before the students started putting their stockings together, a surprise guest made an appearance to the school. Bud Slade, who was portraying Santa Clause and wearing a Desert Battle Dress Uniform (also known as a "chocolate chip" uniform), was escorted to Lomie Heard by the 99th Security Forces Squadron. While awaiting the arrival of Santa Clause, more than 250 students ranging from kindergarten to fourth grade lined the sidewalk to greet him once he arrived. After arriving, Santa Clause ran down the sidewalk lined with eager children. Back in the classroom, Santa and three volunteers from the Blue Star Mothers helped the students pack two stockings each with various food items along with a letter, a card and a picture of themselves. "It feels great, seeing them feel good when they could be sad, not having their parent here with them for Christmas," said Traci Dyer, Lomie Heard Elementary School principle. "I'm honored to be able to give back to those that sacrifice every day."
