RAF Benson News

Festive Cheer Spread to Veterans Through Operation CHRISTMAS

Operation CHRISTMAS has seen personnel from RAF Benson delivering treats to local veterans to help spread some festive cheer.

Forty local Armed Forces veterans and war widows received a Christmas hamper from RAF Benson, delivered by personnel in uniform over the past week.  The hampers included festive favourites such as mince pies, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake, as well as traditional treats such as crackers, biscuits and chocolates.

The veterans and war widows were spread across the local area including Benson, Wallingford, Watlington, Henley and Wantage.  Local organisations including the RAF Association and Royal British Legion helped the Station to identify veterans and war widows who would benefit from a hamper and ensured that the team could get in contact to arrange delivery.  The team then set to work creating the 40 hampers and coordinating their delivery across the local area in time for Christmas.

Group Captain Nick Paton, Station Commander at RAF Benson, who helped the team to deliver some of the hampers, said: “It was wonderful for our team to be able to spread a little festive cheer while thanking veterans for their service.  We hope that this small gesture helps to ensure our local veterans and war widows remember that the whole Armed Forces family remembers their service and sacrifices.”

Operation CHRISTMAS was kindly supported by a grant of £500 from the RAF Benevolent Fund.  Pete Ashcroft, Head of Community Welfare Programmes at the RAF Benevolent Fund said: “We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some members of the RAF Family, particularly those who struggle with loneliness and social isolation, so we’re delighted to have supported RAF Benson’s delivery of Christmas hampers for local veterans. This seemingly small gesture reminds them that they are not forgotten and are part of a bigger RAF Family.”

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