AIRPORT V 30 OICE, JANUARY 2020
DHL "Operation Holiday
Cheer" Trees & gifts for
U.S. Troops Overseas
The DHL Operations Holiday
Cheer 2019 was another great success.
DHL teamed up with Dee’s Nursery
and the area community to donate and
deliver 500 Christmas trees and thousands
of holiday letters, menorahs,
decorations and gifts to U.S. military
personnel serving abroad in Iraq,
Afghanistan, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Thankful supporters included VFW
groups, law enforcement units, Goldstar
and military families, religious
organizations and friends including
a visit from Santa with entertainment
by the USO Show Troupe. The holiday
event has been a traditional salute to
the troops which began in 2004.
Dee’s Nursery again took front
place in supplying the trees from
their farm in Maine with trucking
and person power to lead the holiday
procession from the Oceanside nursery
to the DHL Gateway facility at
JFK Airport.
The awaiting holiday adorned
DHL air cargo freighter was filled
with gifts for the overseas military
men and women with helping
hand from the USO Show Troop who
brightened up the day with great
songs and routines and helping load
a tree onto the plane. One Vietnam
veteran spoke on behalf of many who
returned home to a cold reception
by a divided nation decades ago but
acknowledged the healing and love
that is now given to our military who
have done so much to protect and
serve the country. This mood was felt
by all who attended the DHL/Dee’s
event and warmed the otherwise
winter air.
The USO Show Troupe trio gets hands-on
carrying a tree to the DHL freighter.
Col. Sullivan, active Army officer, thanks
helper for picking up dropped Christmas
card for troops.
All those gift boxes came out of Santa's bag. Honest!
Goldstar Mother and Father of fallen soldier Lt. Dennis Zilinski present a check from their
foundation to Dee's Nursery owner Joe D. to help fund holiday gifts for the overseas
troops.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder speaks to the gathering for DHL annual
Operation Holiday Cheer that delivers Christmas Trees, cards and small gifts to
overseas soldiers. Members of the Nassau and Suffolk County VFW lend support and
contributions to the away-from-home soldiers. Photopage by Jeff Yapalater Patriot Guard Riders veterans support the holiday well wishes.