Barksdale Profile: Operation Bright Holiday

The happiest time of year, sometimes isn't so happy for Barksdale Airmen who can't afford to go home for the holidays.

"A lot of these folks, it's their first time away from home. A lot of times they're faced with going into debt to get back home or spending holiday without opportunity to go home," officials say.

Operation Bright Holiday is helping change that on Barksdale Air Force Base.

Troops living in base dorms are eligible for assistance. Officials say they help between 30 and 40 Airmen a year, fly home to places as far away as Hawaii.

The program also helps Airmen buy Christmas gifts.

"That's the best part of doing these jobs, I mean it's amazing you see families that didn't think they were going to be able to give kids much in the way of Christmas all of a sudden able to give them gifts.  It's a very happy, joyous event."

Operation bright home is possible thanks to donations from the community.

Many of which come from private organizations and families who prefer to remain anonymous-

All to help our troops have the best holiday possible.

If you'd like to help out with this program contact the base Public Affairs Office.