Reserve Santa visits special class Published Dec. 15, 2006 By Senior Airman Christi Wright 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT -- Some very special children received a surprise on Nov. 30, just in time to start the holiday season off right. Each year, the 67th Aerial Port Squadron sponsors the special needs class at Mound Fort Middle School in Ogden by sending Santa in with presents for each teen. For the past 16 years, Chief Master Sgt. David Sill has "donned" his Santa costume and has been accompanied by camouflage-clad elves as he talks to each student and hands out presents. As Santa, Chief Sill is able to help fill every child's wish list with help from his squadron members and donations from local businesses. "We get a list from their teacher in September and then start collecting the donations," said Master Sgt. Jason Burger who organized this year's gift giving visit. The squadron's members collect donations on their own, free time. Each of the class's students received about 15 presents. The teacher also received some much needed school, cleaning, and craft supplies and games. "The students were so into it and genuinely excited for any little thing," Sergeant Burger commented. "It's refreshing to have them excited for the experience, not what they are getting." One of the most unique gifts these "present porters" were able to give out was an entire roll of bubble wrap for a boy who loves to pop the bubbles. "Their excitement is the best," Chief Sill said of the class. "They are so sweet and perfect . . . they believe still." In addition to the presents, these reservists also bring in punch and homemade cookies and spend a couple of hours at the school. "I'll do it again without hesitation," Sergeant Burger said already thinking forward to next year. Of the eight porters that went to the school, six were there for the first time, to include Sergeant Burger. In another duty as Santa, Chief Sill sometimes is handed letters from the students. Those letters, and pictures from their visit to the school, are posted in the aerial port. This year's donations far exceeded the need so the 67th APS was able to donate the extra gifts to a charity for migrant workers in Northern Utah. The 67th APS would like to extend many thanks to anyone who donated their time, money, and talents to make this a very successful and heart-felt visit to Mound Fort.