TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. —
For more than 30 years, the 349th Air Mobility Wing has brightened the holidays for local children through Operation Teddy Bear, an annual community outreach program sponsored by the Top III Council. The program, which focuses on volunteer service in local schools, has become a tradition for both military personnel and the communities they serve.
Recently, members of the 349th AMW visited K.I. Jones Elementary School in Fairfield, California, to deliver toys to students as part of the holiday season. The event was part of a broader effort to spread joy across the local community.
“This year, we’re visiting 12 schools in 10 days, bringing holiday cheer to more than 1,500 children,” said Master Sgt. Rafael Hernandez, 349th AMW first sergeant.
Airmen in uniform, alongside their special guest, Santa Claus, handed out the gifts to the students. For many children, this is their first encounter with military personnel.
“This is my fourth year participating in Operation Teddy Bear,” Hernandez said.
Operation Teddy Bear program embodies the Air Force’s core value of selfless service, as it encourages Airmen to take time away from their busy schedules to help brighten the lives of others. But the experience goes beyond just giving gifts—it fosters connections between military members and the community, strengthening the bond between the 349th AMW and the people they serve.
Hernandez emphasized that the success of the event is made possible through collaboration with partners from Active Duty and Air National Guard units, who join in each year to help make the initiative a “Total Force” effort.
“Throughout the year, we invite our Active Duty and Guard partners to participate, making this a Total Force event. Every year Operation Teddy Bear is something I look forward to helping with and as a council we try and impact more schools.” said Hernandez.
In addition to toys, the program also provides a moment of holiday joy for the children, many of whom may not have access to such experiences without the support of Operation Teddy Bear. The program has grown over the years, expanding its reach to more schools and more children in need.
As the holiday season continues, Operation Teddy Bear remains a beloved tradition, not only because of the gifts it provides but also because of the sense of community it fosters. For the 349th AMW, it’s a way to show gratitude to the communities that support them and to inspire a little extra joy and kindness in the world.
