ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The sweet aroma of freshly baked goodies will soon be traveling through the air as the Team Andrews' Annual Cookie Caper participants kick their kitchens into full holiday gear.
"As long as I can remember in our Air Force career, from base to base, we have had a cookie caper for folks in the dorms -- it's a wonderful tradition," said Judy Jodice, Cookie Caper coordinator and wife of Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodice II, Air Force District of Washington commander. "The Cookie Caper is a basewide cookie drive to provide homemade holiday cookies for our Airmen and Sailors who reside in the dorms.
To Mrs. Jodice, the Cookie Caper is a meaningful tradition.
"I think it's important for our young servicemembers to know that we care about them -- especially at this time of the year. We want to spread the holiday joy," said Mrs. Jodice. Bakers looking to participate in the event should note that all kinds of cookies are welcome.
"We do not require a specific kind of cookie to be baked and donated," said Mrs. Jodice, "Historically, there are many different kinds of cookies donated to choose from. We leave that choice up to the individual baker."
As far as a favorite cookie among the servicemembers: to Mrs. Jodice, there are none.
"I'd imagine if they are anything like our sons, they are happy to have any kind of cookies," said Mrs. Jodice.
Volunteer bakers should bring their cookies on paper or plastic plates or bags in an effort to make sure that good dishes do not get lost or misplaced. Since cookies will serve over 400 Airmen and Sailors, labeling and recipes are not necessary.
Cookies can be dropped off at Cookie Caper boxes found at the base Thrift Shop and Chapel 3 from Dec. 7 through Dec. 10. The Andrews Officers' Spouses' Club members are welcome to bring their cookies to The Club for the Dec. 9 function. Cookie Caper crusaders (no word as to whether or not they will be caped) are slated to pack and distribute cookies at Chapel 3 Dec. 11 at 9 a.m.
"The first sergeants will distribute cookies to our Airmen and Sailors," said Mrs. Jodice, "Our volunteers will help bake or package the cookies."