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By Will Bredderman
Brooklyn Daily
It’s Christmas time in the Army.
Brooklyn’s only military base trimmed up a tree and threw a holiday bash for its service members and their kids on Dec. 6.
Fort Hamilton Army Garrison’s civilian deputy commander Donald Bradshaw lit up the 30-foot spruce near its Armed Forces Reserve Center — the tallest tree at the installation — with a couple of the base’s youngest residents, before leading the group inside for the annual Yuletide celebration.
“The treelighting is what kicks off the children’s Christmas party,” said base spokesman Bruce Hill.
Hill said more than 300 service members and kids came to the event, and chowed down and pizza and pasta. They also got to show off their skating skills on a plastic faux-ice rink, and competed for door prizes — ranging from bicycles to iPads to gift certificates. And, of course, no party would be complete without a visit from jolly old Saint Nick.
Hill said the festive occasion was the base’s way of saluting the season and the people who call the base home — particularly the little ones.
“It’s the installation’s way of giving back to its community, and recognizing its kids,” said Hill.