The men behind the beard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  According to some a beard and suit doesn't make the Santa, it's the joy he brings to children during the holiday season that truly defines who he is.

That's why two Moody members decide to don the famous red suit and grow out their long white beards during the month of December to not just dress up but give back to the children.

"After I (Santa) walk into a room and see all the children's smiling faces I remember why I do this," said Craig Scott, 23rd Force Support Squadron NAF financial analyst. "I am here for the kids and doing this is an amazing way to bring some joy into their lives."

This has been Mr. Scott's second year dressing up as Santa for parties and events on and off base.

"I put on the suit about a year ago when the Children's Advocacy Center in Valdosta needed a Santa for their holiday program," said Mr. Scott. "Those kids have been through so much in their lives and they needed a little cheering up during the holidays."

His wife Windy Scott shares this connection with Christmas attending some of the events as his Mrs. Claus.

"For Craig it's not about the presents during the holidays; it's more about having children spend time with their families," said Mrs. Scott, 23rd FSS exceptional family member program coordinator.

Another member who enjoys the similar pastime during the holidays is John Lukens, an Air Force retiree who has dressed up as Santa for the past 17 years.

"I started doing this a while ago because a few squadrons needed a Santa to attend their squadron parties," said Mr. Lukens. "That continued until I retired and that's when I decided why not grow an actual beard, make it a little more realistic for the kids."

This turned out to be helpful at times as kids would not always believe that he was real.

"I have had children tell me that I'm not the real Santa before, that I have a fake beard, that's when I tell the kids go ahead pull on it, that will prove I am the real Santa," said Mr. Lukens. "When they do that their faces light up - sometimes you will have Santa's that use fake beards but to really play the part a real beard is better."

Mr. Lukens starts to grow his beard in August and will shave it after the holidays. He said the children are the main reason he does this.

"Little kids will walk up to me all through the year asking if I am Santa Claus," said Mr. Lukens. "I have been followed around the Exchange and the Commissary by kids wondering if I am Santa Claus, it doesn't bother me though, and it's great to see that spirit in the children."

A child can ask for many things some that Santa may not be able to get. But Mr. Lukens remembers a story where this wasn't true.

"I remember doing a Christmas party for a squadron a few years ago and a little girl came up to me. She got onto my lap and I asked what she wanted for Christmas, she responded by saying she wanted her daddy home from his deployment," he said. "I asked when is he supposed to be back and she responded that he was coming home in January but would miss their Christmas.

"I told her that there are some things Santa can't do and she said she understood. As she told me this the commander was standing right behind me and heard the girl ask the question," He added. "The commander said he would check into it."

The commander spoke with the unit and found out the flight he was on had it changed to right before Christmas. Mr. Lukens dressed as Santa and the little girl were out there when the plane arrived neither knowing about the switch.

"He was the first ones to come off the plane to surprise his wife and little girl," Mr. Lukens said "I still knew nothing about this till around a year later when the little girl came up to me and said thank you."

I asked her what for and the mother walked up told me the story of what happened," he added. "This was probably one my best moments playing Santa."

Whether a person believes in Santa or not -- it seems that the man behind the beard has a little magic after all. And that is exactly why Mr. Lukens and Mr. Scott continue to don the red suit year after year.