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When a gift is more than what's in the box

By Deirdre CascardoJuly 15, 2024

The U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center signed up to help one family in APG’s “Operation Holiday Cheer”, but the generous donations of ATC’s workforce (pictured) enabled the unit to help two families
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center signed up to help one family in APG’s “Operation Holiday Cheer”, but the generous donations of ATC’s workforce (pictured) enabled the unit to help two families (Photo Credit: courtesy U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. James A. Polak, center, commander of the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center, accepted a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the ATC workforce for their generosity during APG’s “Operation Holiday Cheer.” Garrison Commander, Philip...
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. James A. Polak, center, commander of the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center, accepted a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the ATC workforce for their generosity during APG’s “Operation Holiday Cheer.” Garrison Commander, Philip Mundweil, left, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Denson, right, presented the certificate. (Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Aberdeen Proving Ground Garrison) VIEW ORIGINAL

Aberdeen, Md. - On behalf of the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center workforce, ATC’s commander, Col. James A. Polak, accepted a certificate of appreciation for ATC’s participation in “Operation Holiday Cheer” – an annual event in its third year, managed by U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Army Community Service (ACS). Col. James Mundweil, APG Garrison commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Denson presented the certificate.

Operation Holiday Cheer is a way for employees across APG to donate clothes, toys, or personal care items to provide direct support to enlisted families of the APG Community during the holiday season.

ATC’s Ready and Resilient Council (R2C) managed the event for ATC. “It was great to see the ATC workforce come together to support local families during the holidays,” said Paula Williams, R2C chairperson. “We signed up to help one family, but the generosity of the ATC workforce was double what we expected, and we were able to help two families instead.”

ATC’s R2C was established in the Spring of 2023 to promote readiness and resilience for ATC Soldiers, civilians and families. Each quarter the R2C hosts team and morale building events to bring people together. Past events range from lunchtime walks to seasonal, themed events like chili cook-offs.

"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of the R2C volunteers for your incredible efforts in spreading holiday cheer. Your dedication and compassion have made a profound impact, and I am truly proud of all for your selfless service,” said Polak.

During the 2023 holiday season, ATC showed how small donations can add up to so much more. ATC was one of 43 APG sponsors who collectively donated enough to help 63 children and their families.

“Oh, I love it,” said William ‘Buzz’ Green, an Army Community Service Specialist and the Operation Holiday Cheer Program Manager. “Seeing the APG family come together to take care of their own.. it’s the best part of my job.”

Operation Holiday Cheer is open to any unit on post and offers APG commands the opportunity to anonymously donate items for enlisted families in the APG community. ATC and the R2C look forward to participating in Operation Holiday Cheer in the upcoming 2024 season.

If you’d like more information about Operation Holiday Cheer, please contact the Army Community Services at 278-4323.

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