Alaska cadets raise money for 80 garlands for Wreaths Across America observance

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(From left) Cadet Basic Beatrice McCarty, Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Sarah Peyton and Cadet Senior Airman Suntaya Robison were among the Birchwood Composite Squadron cadets participating in Wreaths Across America fundraising.

Photo by Senior Member Cary Kimball


1st Lt. Pamela Speer
Deputy Commander for Cadets
Birchwood Composite Squadron
Alaska Wing

ALASKA – Birchwood Composite Squadron cadets raised enough money in a single day to place 80 wreaths on graves at Fort Richardson National Cemetery as part of the annual nationwide Wreaths Across America observation Dec. 12. 

The Birchwood squadron’s cadet activity director, Senior Member Cary Kimball, arranged for the fundraising activities and presented associated teaching material. 

"Kimball really made sure the cadets understood who they were doing this for and why,” said 1st Lt. Pamela Speer, deputy commander for cadets. “He spent a lot of time showing them videos and just talking about veterans and their sacrifices for all of us."

The squadron’s Wreaths Across America fundraising efforts are just starting. Several other activities and appearances are planned throughout November.
    
"Our goal is 4,800 wreaths,” Kimball said. “We want to place one at every grave in the Fort Richardson National Cemetery."