Ceremony lights up holiday season Published Dec. 4, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Danielle Powell 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- The lights are now gleaming on the large tree located outside of the 14th Flying Training Wing Headquarters building. Members of the BLAZE Team came together Monday night for the official tree lighting ceremony. Ryan McCalip, son of Maj. Randy McCalip, 14th Medical Operations Squadron, was the lucky youth to light the tree this year. The McCalip family has had much to be thankful for this year. Ryan was the proud recipient of a new liver in July. With an early morning notification there was a donor, members of the 48th Flying Training Squadron aided the family in getting to Pittsburg, Pa. Ryan has had a full recovery. Many families were in attendance to visit with each other, sing Christmas carols, witness the lighting of the tree and to see Santa Clause. With flashing lights, Santa Clause arrived on a Columbus AFB fire truck. Santa handed out candy canes to the crowd before heading to the Chapel Annex to visit with the youngsters. Youth were able to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. They were also treated to cookies and refreshments by the Chapel staff. As the evening closed, Santa said it best:" Happy holidays to all!"
