JBLM Airman To Be Part Of Holiday Tree Lighting In Olympia

(This comes courtesy of Joint Base Lewis-McChord)

Senior Airman Samuel Lovelady, an Air Force Security Forces member assigned to the 627th Security Forces Squadron, along with his wife, Dana, and their two children; Kaydance, 4, and Samuel, 2, will represent JBLM when they join Gov. Christine Gregoire Dec. 2 to light the Holiday Tree in the Capitol Building rotunda in Olympia.

Airman Lovelady primarily serves as a Phoenix Raven Security Team member conducting fly-away security for C-17 aircraft at remote airfields worldwide.Airman Lovelady has been assigned to McChord Field for more than three years. During this period he was deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he flew twenty-three missions, ensuring security for vital wartime equipment throughout the Middle East in support of the Global War on Terror. He has also served in positions such as Security Patrol member, and Phoenix Raven Team Member. Airman Lovelady provided key protection of Air Force One on President Obama's most recent visit to Seattle. His ability to operate in a combined role with the United States Secret Service within the complex inner perimeter assured airtight security to our nation's most protected aircraft.

For more than 20 years, the Association of Washington Business has sponsored the Holiday Tree at the Washington State Capitol. This year, a 24-foot Noble fir will be lit at what has become an annual holiday tradition for the governor, fire departments, families and the community to come together.

The Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. in the Washington State Capitol Rotunda Legislative Building in Olympia. Just before 6:30 p.m. the lighting will take place with Gov. Christine Gregoire and the Lovelady Family.

Over the past several years an Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard Service Member from Washington State has participated in the Holiday Tree lighting. This year the state asked JBLM to select an active-duty Airman and family from the base to participate.

"As one of our prestigious Phoenix Raven members, I am rightfully proud of Senior Airman Lovelady's selection to participate in the ceremony," said Maj. Edward Smalls, 627th Security Forces Squadron commander. "Thank you for providing JBLM the opportunity to spotlight our Airman and his family in association with our community partners."