Spreading holiday cheer – through cookies! Published Dec. 6, 2011 By Tim Flack 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Base and local community residents helped bring holiday cheer to the Airmen living in the dormitories via an annual cookie drive on Dec. 5. The drive - organized by military spouses with the assistance of unit first sergeants - brought more than 300 dozen cookies to those living in the dorms, according to Cathy Bush, whose husband, Col. Tim Bush, commands the 319th Air Base Wing. There were enough cookies that plates were also delivered to Cavalier Air Station, various workstations and to the security forces personnel working the gates, she explained. Mrs. Bush said nearly a third of the cookies collected came from civic leaders in the local community who "want to do something for our Airmen." "We had an awesome turnout," Mrs. Bush said. "We were overwhelmed with the amount of cookies." It's an important event for the Airmen, she explained. Many in the dorms are experiencing "their first year away from home and from their families," she said. "It means Christmas to a lot of people," she said. Master Sgt. John Smith, 319th Communications Squadron first sergeant, said it's a good way to ensure the young Airmen in the dorms aren't forgotten during the holiday season. "We can't replace Mom and Dad, but at least you can let them know that somebody loves them," Smith said. Airman 1st Class Alex Shiverick, who resides in the dorms, was appreciative of the gift. "This is a great way to start the holiday off," Shiverick said. "The cookies remind me of home."