Operation Cookie Drop takes place Wednesday at Travis

  • Published
  • By Airman Madelyn Ottem
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Operation Cookie Drop is scheduled to occur Wednesday, but it's not too late to bake a batch of cookies for the Airmen that can't make it home for the holidays.

This annual Travis event is an opportunity for service members on base and residents of the community to provide support to Airmen living in the dorms by baking cookies to be hand delivered by first sergeants. Drop off locations are at the north entrance of David Grant USAF Medical Center and the Twin peaks chapel.

Kate Slawski, wife of Capt. Michael Slawski, 22nd Airlift Squadron, is a baking fanatic who never misses an opportunity to bake cookies. She has sent a batch of cookies with her husband on each of his flying mission he has been on.

"When I saw this opportunity I thought it was perfect for me because I love baking cookies," Kate said.

Not only is Operation Cookie Drop something she enjoys participating in, it's also a cause that she feels strongly about.

"The cookies can make Airmen feel at home for the holidays when they can't actually go home," she said. "That's why I always send them with my husband, to provide that comfort of home."

Jill Ballas, wife of Capt. Neal Ballas, 22nd AS, is a friend of Kate's and is helping her with the baking.

"We hope these cookies make Airmen feel the comfort and joy of the season," Jill said.

Thus far Kate has baked approximately 275 cookies and is planning a cookie baking party Saturday where she will be giving out incentives to friends who bring cookies to donate. She also has the support of her neighbors who are allowing her to borrow their ovens to support her baking.

Kate is ready to donate a variety of different types of cookies including peanut butter, sugar, chocolate chip and pumpkin among others.

"There are so many different types of cookies," Jill said. "Kate has such a variety of cool recipes, we think the Airmen will really enjoy them."