ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
It's beginning to look a lot like that time of year when the holiday lights and trees go up and the kitchen's aroma of freshly-baked goodies smell especially sweet. And, for some military spouses, it is the time of year to kick baking into high gear.
This year's Cookie Caper promises to be one of the best by treating, not just the Airmen in the dorms, but the Sailors in their dorms, as well. "We're looking at baking at least 250 dozen cookies for 400 Airmen and Sailors this year," said Dianna Ackerley, wife of Col. Paul R. Ackerley, 316th Wing commander.
"We have the spouses' clubs, retirees, Andrews' homeschooling groups, and other families on Andrews helping us out this year, but we are looking for more volunteers to help us bake and distribute cookies."
The Cookie Caper is a tradition that started many years ago and one that many bases share, said Mrs. Ackerley. "I think it must've started years and years ago," she said. "Every base we've been to has had a Cookie Caper and it's just a neat thing that has been passed on."
Last year, Mrs. Ackerley estimates that 150 dozen cookies were distributed to Airmen. "We distributed 265 bags of cookies, with 6 to 10 cookies each, plus candies, for Airmen," said Mrs. Ackerley. "We also gave large trays of cookies to the Navy dorms." Mrs. Ackerley said that with Navy spouses participating this year, it is truly a Team Andrews event.
Mrs. Ackerley said that in her experience, the Airmen and Sailors do not have a favorite cookie. "Basically, anything that reminds them of home-baked cookies that their grandmothers, mothers, and aunts made," said Mrs. Ackerley. "It's the remembrance of home-it's really neat how that works out."
Mrs. Ackerley said that "the Cookie Caper is an effort to bring a little something special to the Airmen and Sailors in the dorms. With home-baked cookies during the holiday season, it just feels like a little piece of home."
The Cookie Caper is an event in which even non-bakers can participate. "If you don't bake, we're asking people to donate individually-wrapped candy like Hershey's kisses or candy canes," said Mrs. Ackerley. "You can even come and help us distribute cookies."
Interested volunteers can drop off and help distribute cookies at Chapel 3 near the base theater on Thursday, Dec. 13 from 7 a.m. to noon. For more information regarding the Cookie Caper, please contact your squadron's key spouse or first sergeant.