Cookie Crunch brings a taste of home to dormitory residents

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina Menchaca
  • 374th AW/PA
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Several members of Yokota's Enlisted Spouses Club spent much of Dec. 18 at the traditional chapel bagging cookies for Airmen living in the dorms on base.

The Cookie Crunch originated in 2005 and has become an annual event here. In the past, similar events were organized for deployed Airmen and small groups within different squadrons.

"This event allows the Airmen to know that we, the Yokota community, care about them and know that a little taste of home can go a long way," said Nanette Mills, 2009 Cookie Crunch organizer, and wife of Senior Master Sgt. Joshua Mills, 374th Medical Support Squadron superintendent.

The Cookie Crunch volunteer said she knows it's nice to have something to remind a person of home and baked goods are a way to do this.

First sergeants delivered the donated cookies to unaccompanied Airmen.

"I think the Airmen feel like they are part of that extended Air Force family that everyone refers to, and that people care about them and are thinking of them during the holiday season," said Laura Lange, ESC co-president. "Everyone loves cookies!"

This year more than 3,000 cookies were donated to the Cookie Crunch.

"The Enlisted Spouses Club organizes the event, but it is the effort of the entire community that helps the Airmen have a little of home while so far away from family," said Mrs. Mills. "We can't do this without the cookies!"