Team Travis brings Operation Teddy Bear to local area schools

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amelia Leonard
  • 349th Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  For nearly three decades, members of Team Travis have been participating in Operation Teddy Bear. This year, Airmen from the 349th Medical Group hosted the event, and had more than 25 volunteers. Airmen visited local Solano County kindergarten children and distributed 480 gift bags filled with Teddy bears, candy canes, juice boxes, toys, and pencils. The children also got an unexpected surprise; a visit from Santa himself.

Chief Master Sgt. Louis Kloeppel, 349th Medical Group Manager, or as he's known to the children, "Santa," listened as each child whispered their Christmas gift wishes in his ear. Chief Kloeppel has been playing the role of Santa for more than ten years, but will be hanging up his hat and beard for the last time this year, as he is scheduled to retire in 2014.

"Even though it is a very busy time of year and preparing for Operation Teddy Bear can be difficult at times, I am going to miss putting on the suit and seeing and feeling the happiness in the beautiful little children," said Chief Kloeppel. "Serving this country and giving back to the community that has given Travis, and me personally, so much, for so many years - It has been a great joy," he said.