Tales from Kume
Christmas on Kume 1969
Under the sponsorship of Det 2, 623 AC&W Squadron and leadership of Major James D. Thomas, an intensive Christmas Project was undertaken to show the people of Kume-Shima what Christmas is all about. No military mission was ever more carefully planned and executed. It took over three months of planning, of soliciting donations, and of purchasing all the Toys, Candy, Fruit and Gifts. All of these items were shipped to Kume through all modes of transportation possible-from a C-47 to a U.S. Naval Ship. In order to accomplish the goals of this project, it was necessary to spread out our activities over a period of three days. just the delivery of the cash donations to the 30 most needy families was' a project in itself. Some of the homes were gotten to by travelling over back roads and walking through rice paddies. On 21 December, Dolls, Bicycles, Tricycles, and an assortment of toys were given to the three Baptist Kindergartens on the island. The spirit of Christmas glistened in the eyes of the small children as they sang "Jesus Loves Me" in English for the G.I.'s in appreciation of receiving the gifts. The crowning event came on 24 Dec 69 when two of the site personnel, dressed as "0l' Santa" himself with a 2 1/2 ton truck as their sleighs, travelled through all the villages of Kume-Shima passing out over 5,000 bags of candy and fruit to the children. At the same time, the annual Christmas Party for the children of the local Nationals who work on the site was being held in the site theatre. From toddlers to teen-agers, the kids invaded "HabuHill". The road from the villages below leading up to the site was lined with children. In all, over 600 children came to the site, and for each one there was a gift of a Coloring Book, Crayons, Candy, Fruit, and a "Bottle of Pop". A movie was shown, and "Tarzan", as he had done for many years, grabbled a vine and swung across the screen to the delight of all the kids. It was not necessary that the G.I.'s understand the language to know that the kids had enjoyed it all, for children, no matter where they come from, universally laugh in the same language while their eyes sparkled with the same brightness. When it was over and everyone had returned to their homes, one could see just what a great time everyone had had. The site was literally covered with apple cores, orange peelings, pop bottles, and candy wrappings. It took a massive police detail to clean up and restore the site to its' original appearance. The "Spirit of Christmas" was definitely at Kume on this day, and once again it was proven that it is more of a blessing to give than to receive. Major James D. Thomas and all of the personnel at Kume Air Station wish to thank the Veterans of Foreign Wars of The United States, the American Legion, Naha Naval Air Facility, Kadena Officers' Wives Club, Kadena N.C.O. Wives Club, Naha Officers' Wives Club, and the Kume-Shima NCO Club for their generous donations which made this Christmas Campaign a most successful one. It was a "White, Bright Christmas" in the true sense of the word.
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