Sacramento Kings player brightens Airmen's holiday

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sarah Gregory
  • 9th RW Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., (ACCNS) --  For some Beale Airmen, the holiday season just got a little bit brighter. At a Best Buy in Natomas Dec. 7, 25 local military members, including 10 Beale Airmen and their families, received a $200 shopping spree courtesy of Spencer Hawes, a center for the Sacramento Kings basketball team. 

The event, part of Maloof Sports and Entertainment's Season of Giving, was a way to ease the financial burden often associated with this time of year. 

"I can't explain how wonderful this is. It's been a great blessing," said Senior Airman Tom Dixon, 12th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, who was shopping with his wife Karina. " We were in a situation where we wouldn't have been able to get gifts for anyone except for the girls [daughters Leanna, 3, and Sarah, 1] but this has been a complete blessing. Now we can buy for the rest of the family, our parents and siblings." 

Most of the Airmen found out about the shopping spree just days before the actual event, and while the excitement was obvious, for some the gift didn't come as a surprise. 

"I was pretty excited when I found out and I thought it was pretty cool," said Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Lybolt, 9th Force Support Squadron, who was shopping with his wife Kelly and daughter, Bethany, 4. "They [the Kings] always show how they give back to the community, so I wasn't too surprised to hear they were sponsoring the event." 

The shopping event also included a meet and greet with Spencer Hawes, autograph signing and photo opportunity, with the 2006 high school All-American and second-year pro. 

"It's been trying times for everyone this year, but what the military folks do definitely goes under-appreciated - what they do, and the sacrifices they make for us," the Kings center said. "A lot of times, they don't have the opportunity to be with their families this time of year, which is something most people take that for granted. Hopefully, this makes the Christmas season just a little bit brighter." 

At the end of the shopping event, the participants received an additional surprise - a $100 gift-card good for anywhere from Wells-Fargo, who has partnered with the Season of Giving for the last three years. 

"When we started with the Season of Giving, kids were buying things for their families instead of toys for themselves, so we're here to give the families a little additional cash that they can use for Christmas groceries or just extra holiday expenses," explained Wells-Fargo representative Rick Cwynar. 

Mr. Cwynar thanked the military members as the gift cards were handed out, explaining that his father was a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, and that he knew how hard it can be to be away from family, especially around the holidays. 

"Dad was career Air Force, and was often away during the holidays. I understand what it's like. It's not just an active-duty thing, it's a family thing. Thank you for that you do," he said.