FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Volunteers from across the post braved the early morning cold Dec. 6, 2017, to unload FedEx trucks at the Iron Horse Sports Complex packed full with more than 600 Christmas trees.
The volunteers hand carried the trees off the trucks and lined them up against the fences leading to the softball fields to ready them for inspection by Soldiers and their Families as part of the 13th annual Trees for Troops program.
More than 100 tree farms from around the nation gave about 18,000 live trees that were delivered to 65 military installations in 17 countries, to include Afghanistan and Guam, in hopes of spreading the spirit of Christmas to service members and their Families. The spirit of giving was also fostered as Soldiers and civilians from across Fort Carson gave the gift of time to ensure the tree distribution was a successful mission.
"It feels really good (to volunteer). Sometimes the holidays can be really hard, and these trees can bring Christmas spirit with them," said Sgt. Cody D. McCoy, 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. "I know trees take years to grow, and to give them to Soldiers on Fort Carson is a wonderful thing."
Some volunteers, such as Pete Faocetti with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Supply Branch, make volunteering for the program an annual tradition.
He returned to volunteer as a tree trimmer.
By lunchtime, the trees were prepared, cutting stations were established and the volunteers were ready to assist Soldiers in selecting trees.
Arriving Soldiers could select trees of varying size. Once selected, the trees were taken to the cutting station where the bottoms were trimmed to allow them to take in water. Volunteers then assisted in tying trees to rooftops or loaded them into cars and trucks. Children were given an opportunity to take their pick of candy canes that decorated the entrance.
"It makes me feel awesome to get a tree this year," said Spc. Tyler A. McIntosh, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. "My Family has been wanting to get a tree; they will be so happy when I get home. They don't know I came to get a tree today."
Many Families who received a tree this year said they plan to reinvest the savings from pur?chasing a tree back into their Family by purchasing additional gifts and holiday decorations.
McIntosh said he would purchase additional lights to surprise his wife and their two children.
"We care about the servicemen and women who make such great sacrifices each and every day," said Lauren Doll, FedEx manager of communications. "The Trees for Troops program is just one way we can give back to them."
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