'Santa' delivers toys, good cheer via cargo plane in spectacular 'Toy Drop'

  • Published
  • By Sgt. Daniel Wyatt
  • 16th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs
ALZEY DROP ZONE, Germany --  U.S. Army joined forces with U.S. Air Force pilots from the 37th Airlift Squadron to conduct the 5th Quartermaster Company's ninth annual Toy Drop here Dec. 7.

U.S., British, German, French, Dutch, Estonian, Polish, Irish and Latvian paratroopers delivered more than 2,000 Christmas presents for Kaiserslautern area children, which marked the opening of International Jump Week.

"This event gave to the less fortunate and brings our allies together to build a Strong Europe," said Capt. James O. Arthur, commander of the 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company, 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, part of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command. "It helps us maintain our readiness, and we're proud to host it."

To participate, paratroopers had to donate a toy. The 5th QM donated the leftover toys to Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers. The 5th QM conducted a series of jumps throughout the week; activities culminated with the sixth annual "Airborne Ball" Dec. 10.

"International Jump Week is a great opportunity for the Soldiers, and it brings together nations for a good cause," said Lt. Col. Steven M. Dowgielewicz Jr., the 39th Trans. commander. "The toy drop brings in the family element, and that's important."

Though the Obregon family has been stationed in Germany for three years, this was their first time attending the toy drop where they received toys from Santa Claus and cheered on the father and husband, Tech. Sgt. Jose Obregon, 435th Contingency Response Group independent duty medical technician.

"It makes me happy that they can see their dad doing his job," said Francisca Obregon, wife of Obregon. "It's so sweet seeing how proud they are of him. I didn't even tell my youngest that Santa would also be jumping, so he was really excited for that as well."

   After his drop, Santa Claus talked with the children and handed out presents. Staff Sgt. Ian Dimmick, acting Santa Claus and 5th QM air operations NCO in charge, said he enjoyed having the opportunity to play Santa in this year's event.

"I have three kids of my own, so it was a lot of fun," he said.

Dimmick also noted how this event allows for the opportunity to build allied partnerships and work together as a team to keep the world safe.

"This exercise gives us more motivation," said Capt. Mihkel Haug, first instructor with the Estonia National Guard's Jarva District. "We're gaining knowledge and helping our NATO alliance."

Since its inception, the Toy Drop has delivered more than 20,000 toys to children throughout the U.S. Army Europe footprint.