MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- American Forces Network is teaming up with the Iwakuni postal workers Tuesday to ensure that the residents of Iwakuni receive their packages from home in time for Christmas. A live broadcast from the main post office here will be part of what's being called Operation Santa '02.
"Operation Santa is designed as a morale booster," said Sgt. Greg Yates, postal clerk. "We are going to be working hard to ensure that everyone gets their packages before the big day."
During Operation Santa, the post office will extend their hours on Christmas Eve and day, to make sure that the residents of Iwakuni will have something to open on Christmas.
"We want for everyone that receives a package at the post office here to be able to open it on Christmas," said Yates. "Christmas is our deadline, so we want to do everything possible to see that everyone gets their gifts from home."
On Christmas Eve, AFN's broadcast, which runs from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m., is going to work hard to put everyone in the Christmas spirit, according to Jackson.
"We are going to be playing Christmas music all night long," said Cpl. Tracee Jackson, AFN radio noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "As soon as the postal truck arrives on Christmas Eve and the postal workers start sorting the packages, we will begin advertising who has packages over the radio."
Service members who are away from home for the first time over the holidays are a main focus of Operation Santa, noted Jackson.
"Being overseas and so far away from family and loved ones is tough enough," said Jackson, "but throw in the holidays and it can be a little overwhelming for some people."
Members of the Station's command will also play the role of Santa Clause, delivering gifts and packages to the rooms of the receivers.
"We just want everyone to enjoy the holidays," said Jackson, "and we are going to do everything that we can to ensure that everyone has something to open on Christmas."