Wolf Pack receives special delivery from Lubbock citizens

Published Dec. 25, 2007
By Master Sgt. Sean P. Houlihan
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- Wolf Pack members woke up Christmas morning to a special delivery from Lubbock, Texas citizens. The Texas panhandle community sent every Airman and Soldier assigned to the base a small stocking with a card of gratitude.

For Staff Sgt. Tiwanda Wilson, 8th Operations Group assistant non-commissioned officer in charge of commanders support staff, the gift was truly a touch of home being a native of Lubbock.

"Seeing the stocking on the door was neat, but when I realized it was from my hometown my only thought was 'Wow,'" said Sergeant Wilson. "For them to do something just for us at Kunsan to show their support was good to know."

Sergeant Wilson said she wasn't surprised to learn the citizens of Lubbock have done something to support the military. Since graduating from high school in 1999 and joining the Air Force, she said one example of Lubbock citizens caring occurred while she was stationed in Germany. A choir from Lubbock came to the base to show support.

"I just want to thank them for doing something for everyone here who is away from their families. It is nice to know the people of Lubbock remembered us on Christmas," she said.

The driving force behind sending out the packages to Kunsan was Mrs. Donna Nussbaum and members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Nussbaum said during a church meeting an idea was brought up to due something short term that would involve as much of the community and all age groups as possible.

"I was thinking about the military and made the suggestion about making stockings to send to an overseas base," Mrs. Nussbaum said. "Everyone seemed so interested in it so I approached my daughter (1st Lt. Rachael Nussbaum of the 8th Civil Engineering Squadron) who is stationed at Kunsan to see if it would be acceptable, so we began the project of making and stuffing about 3,000 stockings for Kunsan Air Base in about three weeks."

Mrs. Nussbaum said everyone in the community came aboard to complete the project in time to get the packages out to Kunsan. Citizens and local businesses across Lubbock wrote a personal note on a card, donated candy, music CDs, ornaments and personal care items for the stockings as well as they sewed all the stockings by hand.

"It was absolutely fantastic on how the city came together to get the project (done)," she said.

Included in each stocking along with the candy and personal items were two letters from local politicians Texas 19th District Congressman Randy Neugebauer and Mayor of Lubbock David A. Miller.

Both personally extended best wishes during the holiday season and thanked everyone for their dedication and service to the country.

"We have a strong support for our military personnel around the world and understand the pain of being away from home being in harms way in Kunsan or in the heat of combat. That is a big deal to (the citizens of Lubbock) because we are so grateful and we wanted to show that appreciation." Mayor Miller said. "Mrs. Nussbaum's effort can be multiplied many times over across the United States and the world for our service members. I wish everyone the very best holiday greetings of every faith, regardless of what state they come from the people of Lubbock love our military members and support you. I am warm and safe because of you."

The stockings were delivered Christmas Eve by Lieutenant Nussbaum, commanders, chief master sergeants, first sergeants and other volunteers ensuring the gifts from citizens of Lubbock were there for Christmas.

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