MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- When Santa decided to visit Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462’s holiday party, he gave his nine reindeer a break.
Instead, the big man and two of his helpful elves hitched a ride on a CH-53E “Super Stallion” to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Dec. 11.
The HMH-462 “Heavy Haulers” have found themselves overseas the past three years during the holiday seasons, making this the first squadron holiday party with friends and families in years.
The Heavy Haulers went all out for their rare holiday celebration: they rented a rock climbing wall, mechanical bull, bounce house, carnival games, a karaoke machine, oversized tricycles and set up a television so football fans could enjoy the game.
After going so long without a holiday party, the party planners hosted an event everyone could enjoy.
“Sometimes Christmas parties are all about the kids. We wanted something for everyone,” said Jenny January, the family readiness officer for HMH-462.
With the help of their family readiness officer, squadron Marines transformed hangar four into a winter wonderland. They even adorned one Super Stallion with haphazardly thrown decorative garlands.
Santa Claus and the Grinch made the big entrance of the afternoon aboard a Super Stallion, much to the delight of children and adults alike.
While some children were nervous to meet Kris Kringle, three-year-old Gabriella Viveros had nothing to worry about.
“I’m on the nice list because I didn’t bite!” she said.
The sound of a Super Stallion brought the partygoers outside, where they gathered to greet Santa and the Grinch.
“I think the kids are excited, and it’s fun for the Marines, too. It brings out the kid in everyone,” said January.
Each child at the party received a personalized gift from Santa and the Grinch, with the help of the elves.
The afternoon wound down as the football fans, wiped out from a huge buffet lunch, rock climbing and bull riding, gathered to watch the Army-Navy game.
Santa brought more than presents with him to hangar four: a fun afternoon with friends and family to celebrate the holidays for the first time in years.
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