The event was sponsored by the 447th Air Expeditionary Group Rising Six Council, a group of men and women in the ranks of Airmen through technical sergeant.

A fire truck arrived bringing Papa Noel, played by Staff Sgt. Michael Murphy complete with a red suit, long white beard and a sack full of gifts.

The younger children took turns sitting with Papa Noel to receive their gift while the older children and Airmen went out to the soccer field.

The holiday visit and the on-going volunteer effort by the Rising Six Council is part of an initiative called the Good Neighbor Program, and has included the repair of homes, donations of clothing, blankets, shoes and basic medical and hygiene supplies, construction of play areas and soccer fields and even the repair of homes.

Staff Sgt. Vanessa Peddicord, 447th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, serves as the Good Neighbor Program director and the liaison with Iraqi officials to coordinate projects and visits.

“The whole program is designed so we have a chance to interact with Iraqi military members and their families and to help us learn more about each other,” Peddicord said. “We have become very close to many of our neighbors and it reminds us why we are really here.”