Dobbins Receives Christmas Tree

by Senior Airman Danielle Campbell Purnell
94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

"We like to do what we can for our troops," said Chuck Berry, owner of Berry's Christmas Tree Farm. "We know they're working hard for us every day, and we want to support them."

Berry and his team, based out of Covington, donated a 16-foot Christmas tree to the community.

More than 40 miles from the farm, three men dug a 28 foot wide and 2 feet deep hole near the Dobbins main gate and base marquee. Tim Starks of T.O. Starks and Associates led the team. They transported the Deodar Cedar tree from the farm to Dobbins. The digging service was also donated to the base.

Selection of the tree took place in early October; however, to ensure that proper delivery was secured and that the grounds were neither too wet nor too dry, the delivery of the tree didn't take place until Oct. 24.

Selection, transportation and planting of the tree were coordinated by the 94th Airlift Wing Human Resource Development Council who noted that the tree was a unique one.

"Most Christmas trees are from the pine family," said Tech. Sgt. Jeff Nix of the Dobbins HRDC. "However, the Deodar Cedar that has been donated is a pine-like, southern-variation that deeply resembles the typical Christmas tree."

The Christmas tree was in the ground at Berry's Christmas Tree Farm for about 15 years before it was donated to the base.

"This tree will grow 60 feet tall," said Starks. "Its a slow grower, so it may take 30 years to reach its full potential."

The tree will grow along with Dobbins for years to come.

"One day when we're all retired, it will tower to the heights of other trees that are planted here at the base entrance," said Col. Tim Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander.

Coordination is in process to make sure the tree is decorated in time for the holiday season.

"Christmas is a big deal for us," said Berry. "We look forward to sharing this tree with Dobbins' servicemembers and anyone else who may pass by the main gate and see it."