For the eighth year running, soldiers assigned to the Madigan Army Medical Center's Troop Battalion and their family readiness group, or FRG, have made Christmas a bit more special for deployed hospital staff.

Operation Santa Claus, an operation that would make the jolly guy himself proud, ended successfully.

Over the past several months, soldiers, FRG personnel and Madigan employees have contributed everything from DVDs and hair combs to shampoos and soap to create festive Christmas care packages for their deployed soldiers.

"We still have a number of soldiers deployed," said Lt. Col. Jacob Gin, the battalion's commander.

"Sending out these gifts represents a token of appreciation, particularly during the holiday season."

Unlike combat units where soldiers serve together, under the Army Medical Command's professional filler system (called PROFIS), Madigan's medical soldiers are often ordered to replace, augment or bring up to required staffing levels other deployed medical units from other bases.

"These soldiers are not deploying as a unit; they deploy as individuals or in small groups," continued Gin.

"There can be a level of anxiety in being with another unit, and Operation Santa Claus ensures they know we are thinking of them; that they have not been forgotten."

The thought and resultant actions of Operation Santa Claus are deeply appreciated.

"I would like to thank you and all of the other volunteers for the care package that I received yesterday," MSG Blanc Rosado recently wrote in an email to Madigan FRG member, Darla Redger.

In her letter, she went on to write that other PROFIS personnel have not heard a word from their commands.

"I was proud to tell them that the Madigan team has and always will be like a family, even when we are out of sight and away from home," concluded Redger.

Gin smiled.

"Our soldiers know they are in our thoughts, and that we are proud of their service."
Santa and his elves have taken note.