Dear Friend of Flying Santa,

Once again, the arrival of Autumn means preparations are underway for our annual Flying Santa visits to New England's Coast Guard families.

This Christmas tradition was established by floatplane pilot Capt. William Wincapaw back in 1929 as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for the crews and families stationed at the lonely lighthouses and USCG stations around Maine's Penobscot Bay. Through the years, responsibility for these flights was passed from the Wincapaw family to maritime author Edward Rowe Snow and his family. Today, our helicopter flights now include more than 1200 children from 100+ USCG units from Jonesport, ME to Jones Beach, NY.

Although the traditional role of lighthouse keepers has faded, the Coast Guard crews continue their dedicated work in keeping our coastal waters safe. Whether serving multi-day shifts at coastal boat stations or weeks to months long tours on the larger cutters, these service men and women are backed by their supportive families. The Flying Santa visits continue to be a major morale event for the units we visit.

We kindly ask for your financial support in our mission to spread Christmas cheer and recognition to New England's "Coasties". Your generosity will be appreciated more than ever.

Best Regards from all of us at Friends of Flying Santa,

Brian Tague - President

Jeremy D'Entremont - Vice-President

Tom Guthlein - Treasurer

Bud Breault - Trustee

Sally Snowman - Trustee

Dave Considine - Trustee

John Roberts - Trustee