ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — Robins Air Force Base held their annual "Holiday Gate Blitz" Friday, where they say goodbye to base workers, wish them a happy holiday, and spread lots of cheer.
DeWanna McKinney and Ron Dunn work as community resilience coordinators on the base.
"I think the greatest thing for us is to be able to come out and send our folks out with some encouraging words," McKinney said.
"It's a good season, it's a happy season, but it's not good for everyone," Dunn said.
For the last three years, the Community Action Team at Robins Air Force Base has put together the holiday blitz with signs that read, "Kind heart, fierce mind, and brave spirit," reminding base members of their resiliency.
"We're here for them -- that's what we love to do. I got my son out here and we're enjoying ourselves," Dunn said.
Dunn decided to bring his 8-year-old son Ron Junior to join in the fun
"For joy of other people, and then we use our kindness for other people," Dunn Jr. said.
At each gate, they have folks lined up to put smiles on active duty members' faces. They say it's all about spreading hope. Greg Purvis works as a violence prevention integrator on the base.
"We appreciate them, each and every one of them. Some of them are separated from their family and what we want is to remind them that they have a family here at Robins Air Force Base," Purvis said.
"People here at Robins are active duty members and are civilian members. They work hard to support the mission and they're grinding every day," McKinney said.
The reason why they continue to spread joy each holiday season is, "Because everybody wants to be happy," Dunn Jr. said.
"We've heard that it really makes a difference sometimes in people's lives, coming through to see that sign that says 'Happy Friday' or that, 'We care about you,' or that, 'You rock,'" McKinney said.
They're making a difference, one sign and one honk at a time. They've gotten good feedback on the annual blitz, so they plan to continue for years to come.