Treats 2 Troops sends holiday spirit abroad

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mackenzie Mendez
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
During the month of December, more than 40 holiday care packages made their way to Team Fairchild Airmen stationed at Morón Air Base, Spain, as part of KREM 2 News’ initiative, Treats 2 Troops.

Team Fairchild volunteers partnered with KREM 2 News for the eighth year in a row to pack more than 450 care packages to be sent to deployed military members serving throughout the world during the holiday season.

“Treats 2 Troops is such a fantastic program,” said Col. Derek Salmi, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. “It symbolizes the great relationship we have with the greater Spokane community and the respect our community partners have for our Airmen, especially those deployed during the holiday season.”

For over a month leading up to the annual Treats 2 Troops event, thousands of items are collected from the Inland Northwest community including candy, snacks, lip balm, office supplies and toiletries. Local schools in the area also contribute by making handmade holiday cards.

After the collection of items, each care package is carefully packed by Team Fairchild volunteers before making its way to a different corner of the world.

“For our Airmen, bringing these packages out to Morón AB reminds them they are not forgotten and they are appreciated for their service to our country,” Salmi said.

Morón AB has been home to many of Team Fairchild’s Airmen since September 2018, when Air Mobility Command selected the 92nd ARW to partner with U.S. Air Forces in Europe in support of Operation Juniper Micron.

Treats 2 Troops contributions are not only distributed to Air Force members from Fairchild; services including the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines Corps also receive packages from the Inland Northwest community.