RICHMOND, Va. –
Hundreds of employees gathered at Defense Supply Center Richmond Dec. 2 for the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, unwrapping the installation’s holiday cheer. Sparkling lights, children’s carols, new dining delights, and even robot helpers delivered a classic holiday moment sprinkled with DSCR magic.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Launey, commander of DLA Weapons Support (Richmond), said the celebration offered a much-needed pause in a demanding season, allowing everyone “to sit and reflect back on the year and all that we’ve accomplished as a team.” Navy Rear Adm. Julie Treanor, commander of DLA Weapons Support (Columbus), echoed the sentiment, calling the gathering “a season of gratitude” and an “honor” to attend.
If holiday spirit could be measured in candlepower, Richmond would have glowed halfway to the North Pole.
David Gibson, site director, DLA Installation Management Richmond, opened the ceremony by thanking attendees for joining the tree lighting event. He greeted the children from the Child Development Center with a smile and a cheerful, “You guys look great,” earning grins from the tiny performers.
He outlined the day’s events, which included remarks, countdown, music, and a spread of holiday treats waiting just beyond the twinkling lights.
Launey began with a wink and a quip that quickly earned him a spot on the Nice List: “Thank you, everybody. And one applause. I’m good with that. I met standards.”
He thanked employees for taking time from their “very busy” and “very demanding” schedules to celebrate together. He reminded everyone that the tree’s glow carried deeper meaning, calling it “an aspect of light” and “an aspect of hope.”
Treanor followed with her own warmth and humor, starting with, “Thank you very much. I got the same round of applause.” She joked about seeing her name on DSCR’s welcome sign, saying, “It might be the closest I get to Hollywood, but I’ll take that.”
She praised the installation’s hospitality and tradition, saying, “It means a lot to me to be here with you all on the occasion of your tree lighting.” She thanked the workforce for their relentless support, telling them, “Without you, we would be nothing and no one,” and acknowledged the sacrifices of families who support the mission.
Then came the highlight.
Five … four … three … two … one …
The tree burst into color, drawing applause across the dining facility.
Gibson offered the line of the day: “So the magic switch worked again and in my business, I’m just happy when the lights are on.”
The Christmas mood spread faster than hot cocoa on a cold night.
Next up were the stars of the show: the Rhinos classroom from the Bettye Ackerman Cobb Child Development Center, ages 3 to 5. Led by CDC trainer Cybil Brown, the children performed “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” complete with stomping, whispering and enthusiastic voices.
“It was good to see the children being a part of the community, and for them to know that they are part of our community. It gives me joy.” Brown said, sharing her joy in seeing the kids step into the spotlight.
At 11:30 a.m., the holiday feast officially began. Stations included:
- Pasta cheese wheel
- Beef carving
- Finger foods
- Specialty drinks
- Dessert samplers
- Crust and Leaf, which opened just the day before
“I have a great team. I couldn’t do this by myself,” said Ursula Hickox, chief of MWR Richmond, who coordinated much of the preparation and setup, explained the behind the scenes effort.
She described the challenge of opening Crust and Leaf while simultaneously preparing for the holiday festivities. “We were trying to open [Crust and Leaf] yesterday, and this moved around. The team made everything work.”
Hickox credited marketing, the fitness center, food and beverage staff, Information Tickets and Reservations (also known as ITR), family programs, and more.
“Without our leadership’s support, we wouldn’t have been as successful. They don’t come in and say no; they let you do your thing.” Hickox said.
Guests dug in with holiday-sized enthusiasm.
“The hot noodles … they’re pretty good,” said product specialist Jerv Fearon. He also praised Crust and Leaf: “I went to them yesterday and had a sandwich, and it was pretty good. Prices are reasonable.”
Looking around the bustling room, he added, “This is amazing, I like seeing all the people together and just happy, enjoying each other’s company … I think everybody’s needed this break.”
Two Navia Robotics servers – adorned in Santa hates and displaying cute digital expressions, delivered desserts and specialty coffees. The robots go by Roux and Hibiscus, names chosen to be intentionally androgynous, and will continue to support Crust and Leaf during lunch service throughout the year.
Although the festivities were completed by 1 p.m., the glow of the tree lingered while employees chatted, laughed, and carried plates piled high with holiday treats.
The day was festive, the food plentiful, the kids adorable, and the spirit bright.