Soldiers, civilians, and family members exchanged gifts, awarded door prizes, and shared a potluck during the Joint Force Headquarters -- National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington holiday party at Fort Lesley J. McNair, D.C., Dec. 15, 2014.
The party was an opportunity for everyone to share fellowship, food, and festivities as participants were treated to Christmas music, a raffle ticket gift exchange, and a surprise visit by Santa Clause from the North Pole.
"I think because we're in our offices in front of our computers eight hours a day, sometimes we don't get to meet the people that are just across from us or in the same building," said Lashawnda Arrington, JFHQ-NCR/MDW senior budget analyst. "This is a great opportunity to meet people face-to-face who are behind emails we receive and speak with them in person."
Awards were given for the directorate with the most festive door decoration. The Public Affairs Office won first place with its journalistic theme showing elves representing each of its office members.
"I thought it would be unique to decorate showing a Public Affairs role incorporating the seasonal festivities, sprinkled with a little holiday humor," said Capt. Latisha Ballance, JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs planner. "The project was special because it was a team effort."
Second place for the door decorating contest was awarded to the Provost Marshal/Protection Directorate, and third place was awarded to the Staff Judge Advocate's office.
Octavio Perez, JFHQ-NCR/MDW information technology specialist, enjoyed the food and said it was a good time for everyone to stop what they were doing, take a break, and sit down and talk with one another.
"After every one was served I talked to the folks in my office and other people in the organization," Perez said. "There was a stuffing that was really, really good, but I don't know who made it. Trying to find a recipe like it is going to be hard."
For everyone, the holiday presented an opportunity to get to know their co-workers better, and for those without their families, celebrating with co-workers made the holidays more special.
"It's nice to see not only your office, but the other offices get together who we work with," said Capt. William Biggers, JFHQ-NCR/MDW trial counselor. "A lot of us in the military are away from our families, so this is our family away from home."
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