Santa Claus, sitting in the back seat of a TU-2S Dragon Lady high altitude reconnaissance training aircraft, chased the Grinch off the flightline at Beale AFB, California, prior to the base’s Children’s Holiday Party on 8 December 2012. After exiting the aircraft, which was fitted out with special holiday nose art done in chalk, Santa was surrounded by Beale youth eager to meet him. More than seventy-five volunteers from Beale and the surrounding community provided face painting, pictures, crafts, and food, while the local Wheatland High School band played holiday music throughout the event. Each child received a gift donated by local businesses and Toys for Troops. More than 1,500 wrapped gifts were distributed at the event.
