Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. (December 6, 2023): The true magic of the season can be seen in the eyes of a child when they first meet Santa and Mrs. Clause in the flesh. In this photo by Corporal Gideon Schippers, a little boy, capably restrained by his sister, greets Santa for the first time at the Marine Corps Community Services center. Community Services hosts this annual event for families of active-duty troops to kick off the holiday season.

The Yuma Station is a large family with over 5,000 military personnel, 3,500 family members, 2,200 civilians, and a large veteran population. Yuma is the home to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 which is responsible for the training of all the Corp’s tactical aviation units. The Station conducts a Weapons and Tactics Instructor course for pilots flying the F-35B Lightning II fighters.

The Marine Corps goes out of its way to make the holidays special for its unique patriotic community.