ALZEY DROP ZONE, Germany (Dec. 8, 2015) -- U.S. Army and Air Force paratroopers joined British, German, French, Dutch, Estonian, Polish, Irish, and Latvian jumpers to deliver more than 2,000 Christmas presents for Kaiserslautern-area children in spectacular fashion during the 5th Quartermaster, or QM, Company's ninth annual toy drop conducted here Dec. 7.
The aerial toy delivery 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 unit donated the leftover toys to Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers. The 5th QM will conduct a series of jumps throughout the week; activities culminate with the sixth annual Airborne Ball, set for 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 Transportation commander. "The toy drop brings in the Family element and that's important."
"It's awesome to be Santa," said Staff Sgt. Ian Dimmick, acting Santa Claus and 5th QM air operations noncommissioned officer in charge. "I'm a kid lover and I have three kids of my own, so it's going to be fun. It's important for us 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. This year, the community donated more than 2,000 toys.
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