Alaska National Guard brings Operation Santa Claus to Wales

Jeanne Fox, a volunteer for the Bering Strait Native Corporation, serves green beans to Clyde Ongtowasruk of Wales, Dec. 9. Fox along with another three dozen volunteers from Anchorage was in Wales for an Operation Santa Claus mission. (National Guard photo/MSgt. Shannon Oleson)

Alaska National Guard brings Operation Santa Claus to Wales

Members of Alaska Brass, a brass and percussion ensemble from the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific play holiday music for an Operation Santa Claus mission, Dec. 9. About 35 volunteers from Anchorage participated in the mission. The aircraft along with about 35 volunteers from Anchorage, Alaska were in Wales for an Operation Santa Claus mission. Op Santa has been a tradition for the Alaska National Guard since 1956. Each year, it brings Santa, Mrs. Claus, along with gifts to some of the small, remote villages of Alaska. (National Guard photo/MSgt. Shannon Oleson)

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Alaska Guard deliver holiday spirit

Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for photographs with residents of all ages to preserve the memories made. The village of around 185 residents welcomed the volunteers into their school for the day to celebrate Christmas. (Alaska National Guard photo\Lt. Bernie Kale),

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Alaska Guard deliver holiday spirit

Two young boys open the presents that Santa brought with him. The presents also included books, backpacks, and toothbrushes to accommodate everyday needs. (Alaska National Guard photo\Lt. Bernie Kale),

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Alaska Guard deliver holiday spirit

Johnson Moses, 87, poses for a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the celebration. Moses is one of the village elders in Allakaket who welcomed the volunteers into his village. (Alaska National Guard photo\Lt. Bernie Kale),

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Alaska Guard deliver holiday spirit

Santa's "sleigh", an Alaska National Guard C-130 "Hercules" keeps warm in 50 below zero with generators pumping heat to the engines. The village of around 185 residents welcomed the volunteers into their school for the day to celebrate Christmas. (Alaska National Guard photo\Lt. Bernie Kale),