SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - Giving and receiving holiday greeting cards is an important part of celebrating the season for many. Annually the U.S. ArmyAca,!E+Garrison-Oahu (USAG-Oahu) Holiday Card Lane and contest gives units and organizations an opportunity to spread holiday cheer throughout the community in a really big way.
Open to all units, agencies and organizations within the local installations, the contest features giant wooden cards fashioned from two pieces of plywood, each measuring 4 feet by 8 feet.
"I've had several people tell me that they really appreciated the craftsmanship of the cards, and how beautiful they were," said Ted Taijeron, operations specialist for Oahu North Community, Director's Office, USAG-Oahu. "I also think it's amazing that we had as many entries as we did, considering how many of our Soldiers are currently deployed and how many units are currently here.
"I'd call it a success."
The North community entries, which totaled 21 in all, have been on display in front of Tropic Lightning Museum and along Macomb Road, since Nov. 20.
The Oahu North community card winners were announced during the annual tree lighting ceremony, Dec. 3. Taking top honors from the North community was the team from the Veterinary Command, Schofield Barracks, whose card production featured a three-dimensional house with an intricately designed Christmas tree.
Second place went to AAFES, whose card showcased ornamental balls with pictures of deployed Soldiers on them; while the third-place ribbon went to the 2nd Squadron, 14th Calvary, whose card featured Santa Claus on a horse.
The Oahu South community did itself proud this season, with a previously unheard of 15 entries for the Holiday Card Lane contest.
"It was the most we've ever had," confessed Mark Young, director, Oahu South community, USAG-Oahu. "Last year, we had 12 entries. So this was a good year for us."
During the Dec. 10 Oahu South Holiday Concert and Tree Lighting Ceremony at Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, the winning cards were also announced. They were: first place, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, Special Troops Battalion; second place, 311th Signal Command; and third place, AAFES.
Annually both the Holiday Card Lane contest and the community tree lighting ceremonies help kickoff the Christmas season for garrison Soldiers and their families. The holiday cards will remain on display for the public to enjoy until Jan. 4.
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