Merry Christmas Merry Christmas

& &

A Happy New Year!A Happy New Year!

This Holiday season, we want to take a moment and This Holiday season, we want to take a moment and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.a Happy New Year.

As a special treat we have attached a special As a special treat we have attached a special Christmas gift, the first chapter in the book Skip is Christmas gift, the first chapter in the book Skip is writing about his father. It is about how George H. writing about his father. It is about how George H. Canevit, Sr. viewed Christmas. We hope this brings a Canevit, Sr. viewed Christmas. We hope this brings a smile and good memory to you for years to come.smile and good memory to you for years to come.

Angelina & SkipAngelina & Skip

Maza Ltd., Kang Tian Group,Maza Ltd., Kang Tian Group,Kang Tian FoundationKang Tian Foundation

He Was Never He Was Never

Home on Home on

Christmas EveChristmas Eve

A Teaser from the StoryA Teaser from the Story

One Man Can Make a One Man Can Make a

DifferenceDifferenceBy Uncle SkipperBy Uncle Skipper

George H. George H. SkipSkip Canevit, Canevit, JrJr 20142014

He was Never Home He was Never Home

on Christmas Eveon Christmas Eve

My earliest memory of my father takes me back to a small My earliest memory of my father takes me back to a small cottage we lived in shortly after he had returned from Korea cottage we lived in shortly after he had returned from Korea for the second time. The snow had been falling for a couple for the second time. The snow had been falling for a couple of days and steady since I woke up this December 24th. At of days and steady since I woke up this December 24th. At times it was so intense all you could be seen was a flurry of times it was so intense all you could be seen was a flurry of white snowflakes falling in front of the window. Peering out white snowflakes falling in front of the window. Peering out the window I could not even make out the picket fence which the window I could not even make out the picket fence which surrounded our small cottage in Waukegan. The snow surrounded our small cottage in Waukegan. The snow drifting up the window was confronted by the heat emanating drifting up the window was confronted by the heat emanating from the house created a crystalline frame on each section from the house created a crystalline frame on each section of glass, leaving small portals to peer out into the night. The of glass, leaving small portals to peer out into the night. The reflection of the lights on the small Christmas tree in the reflection of the lights on the small Christmas tree in the corner of the room added a gaiety to the otherwise simple corner of the room added a gaiety to the otherwise simple cottage. They treecottage. They trees lights seemed to dance across the s lights seemed to dance across the windowpanes as I peered out in the darkness contrast by the windowpanes as I peered out in the darkness contrast by the blanket of white reflecting brightly against the streetlamp.blanket of white reflecting brightly against the streetlamp.

He was the Staff NCOIC and one of three regular Marines He was the Staff NCOIC and one of three regular Marines assigned to the local Marine Corps Reserve center in the assigned to the local Marine Corps Reserve center in the Chicago Area. Decorated in World War II and Korea, he had Chicago Area. Decorated in World War II and Korea, he had been stationed here upon returning from Korea and was now been stationed here upon returning from Korea and was now awaiting his next deployment at the Marine Corps Data awaiting his next deployment at the Marine Corps Data Processing School at Headquarters Marine Corps, Quantico. Processing School at Headquarters Marine Corps, Quantico. Like a junior Marine, I took up sentry duty in front of the Like a junior Marine, I took up sentry duty in front of the window, watching and waiting for my Staff Sergeant father to window, watching and waiting for my Staff Sergeant father to suddenly appear in our Woody. suddenly appear in our Woody.

Occasionally a snow plow would roar up or down the street, Occasionally a snow plow would roar up or down the street, heaping an every growing pile of snow and dirt with a sprinklingheaping an every growing pile of snow and dirt with a sprinklingof salt on the side of the road as they made way for those who of salt on the side of the road as they made way for those who were stuck at work to get home to their loved ones this were stuck at work to get home to their loved ones this Christmas Eve. Mom was worried, but did her best not to show Christmas Eve. Mom was worried, but did her best not to show it. You could always tell when she was worried by how she it. You could always tell when she was worried by how she fussed with her mouth and almost bit on her lip; this activity fussed with her mouth and almost bit on her lip; this activity was usually accompanied by her doing something with her was usually accompanied by her doing something with her hands. Dad was at least an hour late, so for a distraction she hands. Dad was at least an hour late, so for a distraction she was fussing about the kitchen decorating Christmas cookies was fussing about the kitchen decorating Christmas cookies while pies baked in the oven. Her labors left incense in the while pies baked in the oven. Her labors left incense in the small cottage of the spices use in pumpkin, mincemeat and small cottage of the spices use in pumpkin, mincemeat and apple pies. A smell to this day, which brings memories of many apple pies. A smell to this day, which brings memories of many a Christmas past. a Christmas past.

As I wandered into the tiny kitchen I could see mom As I wandered into the tiny kitchen I could see mom fastidiously adding red icing to one Santa Claus sugar cookie fastidiously adding red icing to one Santa Claus sugar cookie after another, a brown paper sack was sitting next to her filledafter another, a brown paper sack was sitting next to her filledalmost to the top with ham and cheese sandwiches; the almost to the top with ham and cheese sandwiches; the Wonder Bread package sitting next to them, the mustard and Wonder Bread package sitting next to them, the mustard and mayonnaise already back in the refrigerator. Another bag, not mayonnaise already back in the refrigerator. Another bag, not quite so full sat proudly next to the sandwiches, perfectly foldquite so full sat proudly next to the sandwiches, perfectly folded ed at the top. Mom was already starting to show for the brother at the top. Mom was already starting to show for the brother who would be soon joining our Marine Corps family. Although who would be soon joining our Marine Corps family. Although the kitchen was small, mom always had a place for everything the kitchen was small, mom always had a place for everything and everything was in its place. She was able to serve a kingand everything was in its place. She was able to serve a kings s feast from the most meager of circumstances. And Christmas feast from the most meager of circumstances. And Christmas is when her skills were at their peak. is when her skills were at their peak.

The small The small PhilcoPhilco Radio was scratching out Bing Crosby Radio was scratching out Bing Crosby singing White Christmas, which only added to the ambiance of singing White Christmas, which only added to the ambiance of the season. In my mind, this was the opportune moment to the season. In my mind, this was the opportune moment to execute my strategic strike. Using the volume from the Radio execute my strategic strike. Using the volume from the Radio to cover my sound; I stealthily crept like a Marine on a Recon to cover my sound; I stealthily crept like a Marine on a Recon mission through the battlefield past the enemy stronghold, over mission through the battlefield past the enemy stronghold, over to the counter behind the enemy observer outpost and just as I to the counter behind the enemy observer outpost and just as I reached for a piece of moist, mouthwatering, nut filled, freshlyreached for a piece of moist, mouthwatering, nut filled, freshlybaked divinity mom turned pointed her finger at me and said, baked divinity mom turned pointed her finger at me and said, Just one piece Skipper or youJust one piece Skipper or youll ruin your supper.ll ruin your supper.

As I hurriedly stuffed half a piece of the divine candy of the As I hurriedly stuffed half a piece of the divine candy of the

angels in my mouth, I carefully hid a second and third one in myangels in my mouth, I carefully hid a second and third one in my

front left pocket, sight unseen, at least I hoped from my motherfront left pocket, sight unseen, at least I hoped from my mothers s

eagle eye. There was that nagging Christmas reality question eagle eye. There was that nagging Christmas reality question

pounding in my brain. One of the questions you are supposed to pounding in my brain. One of the questions you are supposed to

know the answer to, but there is no logical answer you can come know the answer to, but there is no logical answer you can come

up with. There was no logical conclusion I could draw. I knew thup with. There was no logical conclusion I could draw. I knew the e

facts about Christmas but this one unknown just did not sit withfacts about Christmas but this one unknown just did not sit with

me very well. I took my chances and just blurted out the questiome very well. I took my chances and just blurted out the question n

to wit I had to know the answer to and could wait no longer, to wit I had to know the answer to and could wait no longer, Mom, Mom,

how is Santa going to come visit us when we donhow is Santa going to come visit us when we dont have a t have a

chimney?chimney?

Well Skipper, that is the magic of Christmas, donWell Skipper, that is the magic of Christmas, dont you worry t you worry

about Santa, you just worry that he does not have you on his about Santa, you just worry that he does not have you on his

naughty list and that younaughty list and that youre fast asleep when he comes.re fast asleep when he comes.

But how is Santa going to get inside the house? The story you But how is Santa going to get inside the house? The story you

read says he comes down the chimney and we donread says he comes down the chimney and we dont have one?t have one? I I

pressed.pressed.

Well I am not supposed to tell you this, but IWell I am not supposed to tell you this, but Ill let you in on a ll let you in on a

little secret. But you have to promise to tell no one.little secret. But you have to promise to tell no one. Mom said Mom said

with a sly almost slippery voice.with a sly almost slippery voice.

Momma, I wonMomma, I wont tell anyone anything, I promise.t tell anyone anything, I promise.

Well, once youWell, once youre in bed we put out the secret signal and re in bed we put out the secret signal and

Santa will know he can come in through the side door. Santa will know he can come in through the side door.

Sometimes we even let him in. It is okay for mommies and Sometimes we even let him in. It is okay for mommies and

daddies to see Santa on Christmas Eve, but children who stay up daddies to see Santa on Christmas Eve, but children who stay up

and try to see him end up with nothing but a lump of coal or a and try to see him end up with nothing but a lump of coal or a

switch in their stocking.switch in their stocking. She explained getting a more and more She explained getting a more and more

serious look with her tone getting more and more convincing the serious look with her tone getting more and more convincing the

further she got in her story. further she got in her story.

Ok mama, I understand,Ok mama, I understand, (well it really seemed logical at (well it really seemed logical at the time)the time), , When is daddy going to be home?When is daddy going to be home?

Oh, he will be home shortly,Oh, he will be home shortly, she said clearly, she said clearly, at least I at least I certainly hope so!certainly hope so! She muttered as she often did when she She muttered as she often did when she wanted to say something, but really didnwanted to say something, but really didnt want you to hear it, t want you to hear it, But he has to go out again for a while, donBut he has to go out again for a while, dont you worry t you worry about him. Come on sit up here; eat your divinity at the table about him. Come on sit up here; eat your divinity at the table so you donso you dont make a mess.t make a mess. As I climbed up on one of the As I climbed up on one of the rickety chair, I placed the remaining half of the candy on the rickety chair, I placed the remaining half of the candy on the table as if it were a precious gem of untold value, she table as if it were a precious gem of untold value, she nodded her approval. nodded her approval.

After successfully pulling off the ruse of only taking one After successfully pulling off the ruse of only taking one piece of candy, I deftly crept out of the kitchen and again piece of candy, I deftly crept out of the kitchen and again took up my post of peering out the window through the took up my post of peering out the window through the curtains as the snowflakes fluttered in the breeze while curtains as the snowflakes fluttered in the breeze while waiting for my father to appear. Every now and then, ever so waiting for my father to appear. Every now and then, ever so cautiously, I stole a nibble here and there from the cautiously, I stole a nibble here and there from the contraband divinity. Each time I pulled it from my pocket, I contraband divinity. Each time I pulled it from my pocket, I was careful to look over my shoulder first and see if mom was careful to look over my shoulder first and see if mom was looking, was looking, ok she is still doing the cookiesok she is still doing the cookies, nibble here , nibble here nibble there. Mom started singing with the radio, nibble there. Mom started singing with the radio, IIm not m not getting nothing for Christmas, mommy and daddy are mad, getting nothing for Christmas, mommy and daddy are mad, oh Ioh Im getting nothing for Christmas, m getting nothing for Christmas, cuzcuz I I ainaintt been nothing been nothing but badbut bad She looked up from her cookies at me, smiled, She looked up from her cookies at me, smiled, winked and asked, winked and asked, is that what you should be singing is that what you should be singing tomorrow morning?tomorrow morning?

No, I have been good!No, I have been good! I replied with just a bit of guilt I replied with just a bit of guilt creating a twinge in my stomach. creating a twinge in my stomach. I think she is just toying I think she is just toying with mewith me, I thought, but just to be sure, I placed the precious , I thought, but just to be sure, I placed the precious remains of my divinity on the window sill. Just in case, you remains of my divinity on the window sill. Just in case, you never know when mom might have suspected something never know when mom might have suspected something and demanded a and demanded a health and comforthealth and comfort search of my pockets search of my pockets for illicit contraband. The last thing I needed was for her to for illicit contraband. The last thing I needed was for her to catch me with the goods on me, especially with her not being catch me with the goods on me, especially with her not being under the required code of having to be in bed when Santa under the required code of having to be in bed when Santa arrived. There would be no telling what she would tell him arrived. There would be no telling what she would tell him and I was not going to take any chances. and I was not going to take any chances.

Well then get up here and eat your supper so you can set Well then get up here and eat your supper so you can set

out some cookies and coco for Santa and get to bed.out some cookies and coco for Santa and get to bed. She She

said as she pulled some pies out of the oven and placed said as she pulled some pies out of the oven and placed

them on a cooling rack. Like an elf in Santathem on a cooling rack. Like an elf in Santas workshop she s workshop she

went from the pies to placing the ham she had just basted went from the pies to placing the ham she had just basted

with one of her homemade concoctions into the portable with one of her homemade concoctions into the portable

electric oven. Then turning back to the cookies she quickly electric oven. Then turning back to the cookies she quickly

placed the freshly decorated confections in a box with the placed the freshly decorated confections in a box with the

layers separated by wax paper and patted the lid as she layers separated by wax paper and patted the lid as she

placed it snugly on the box. A bowl of homemade spaghetti placed it snugly on the box. A bowl of homemade spaghetti

sat on the stove, waiting to be reheated for dad, it looked likesat on the stove, waiting to be reheated for dad, it looked like

an advertisement photo, the color was perfection, an advertisement photo, the color was perfection,

homemade sauce and noodles looking like it was just served homemade sauce and noodles looking like it was just served

up by oleup by ole Luigi from the restaurant bearing his name down Luigi from the restaurant bearing his name down

the street. I think in my whole life, the only time I ever tastethe street. I think in my whole life, the only time I ever tasted d

Chef BoyardeeChef Boyardee was when we were eating at a neighborwas when we were eating at a neighbors s

house. Even after my mom went back to work, she would house. Even after my mom went back to work, she would

batch cook on the weekend so we could just heat up a batch cook on the weekend so we could just heat up a

homemade dinner during the work week. homemade dinner during the work week.

Just then there was a roar out in front of our house. HJust then there was a roar out in front of our house. How is ow is

it possible, I leave my post at the window for just a moment it possible, I leave my post at the window for just a moment

and life changes in a flash of blinding light filtering through and life changes in a flash of blinding light filtering through

the partially threadbare curtains and flurry of show flakes. I the partially threadbare curtains and flurry of show flakes. I

ran to the window not knowing at all what it could be. ran to the window not knowing at all what it could be.

Through the falling snow I could make out the outline of a Through the falling snow I could make out the outline of a

USMC duce and a half, the bed in back protected against USMC duce and a half, the bed in back protected against

the blizzard with its tightly fit canvas covering, lights brightthe blizzard with its tightly fit canvas covering, lights bright. .

Just like Santa suddenly appeared in the fireplace in Just like Santa suddenly appeared in the fireplace in TwasTwas

the Night Before Christmasthe Night Before Christmas out bounded a silhouette I was out bounded a silhouette I was

all too familiar with, in a flash my father came through the all too familiar with, in a flash my father came through the

mud room off the kitchen. mud room off the kitchen.

Merry Christmas honey,Merry Christmas honey, mom chimed as the Marine mom chimed as the Marine fatherfathers fame filled the doorway bigger than life. s fame filled the doorway bigger than life. Where is Where is the car?the car?

Merry Christmas daddy,Merry Christmas daddy, I chirpedI chirped

Yes, a Merry Christmas indeedYes, a Merry Christmas indeed replied dad as he bent replied dad as he bent over to grab a kiss from mom, rubbed my head and kissed over to grab a kiss from mom, rubbed my head and kissed me on the cheek. me on the cheek. We were running late, will bring the car We were running late, will bring the car home when we are done if the streets are clear. I have to get home when we are done if the streets are clear. I have to get my Cold Weather Jacket, is it still in the hall closet Mary?my Cold Weather Jacket, is it still in the hall closet Mary? he he queried as he bounded through the kitchen in just a couple queried as he bounded through the kitchen in just a couple of steps. At six foot and three quarters of an inch he was a of steps. At six foot and three quarters of an inch he was a giant to my small stature. His body perfectly toned as a lean giant to my small stature. His body perfectly toned as a lean mean Marine, black wavy hair closely cropped in regulation mean Marine, black wavy hair closely cropped in regulation form. A proper pure black regulation mustache warmed his form. A proper pure black regulation mustache warmed his upper lip. His shoes were still properly shinned, despite upper lip. His shoes were still properly shinned, despite having trodden through the snow, his overcoat falling open having trodden through the snow, his overcoat falling open as he unbuttoned it while entering the house. Exposing the as he unbuttoned it while entering the house. Exposing the Dress Blues Uniform of a decorated Marine Staff Sergeant, Dress Blues Uniform of a decorated Marine Staff Sergeant, the four rows of ribbons, expert rifle and pistol badges, the the four rows of ribbons, expert rifle and pistol badges, the light blue trousers with a few spots of water near the hem, light blue trousers with a few spots of water near the hem, otherwiseotherwise----perfectly pressed with their red stripe all provided perfectly pressed with their red stripe all provided an orderly blur as he hurriedly marched past us. an orderly blur as he hurriedly marched past us. Yes, Yes, perfect,perfect, he said as he peeled off his overcoat placing it he said as he peeled off his overcoat placing it neatly on a hanger and donning the Jacket, Cold Weather he neatly on a hanger and donning the Jacket, Cold Weather he brought home from Korea. brought home from Korea.

Skipper, I have to go out and give toys to the poor kids Skipper, I have to go out and give toys to the poor kids tonight. Make sure you are in bed and asleep when I get tonight. Make sure you are in bed and asleep when I get back so Santa will be able to come, he may come early with back so Santa will be able to come, he may come early with this storm being so big.this storm being so big. He admonished me.He admonished me.

Why do you have to do that, wonWhy do you have to do that, wont Santa visit them?t Santa visit them?

Well yes, Santa will still visit them, but their mommy and Well yes, Santa will still visit them, but their mommy and daddy candaddy cant afford to get them anything and so the Marine t afford to get them anything and so the Marine Corps is helping them and Santa tonight.Corps is helping them and Santa tonight. He said with an air He said with an air of confidence, of confidence, Santa called on the Marines and the situation Santa called on the Marines and the situation is well in hand!is well in hand! he smiled as he quipped back.he smiled as he quipped back.

Okay daddy if you see Santa when you are out there helping Okay daddy if you see Santa when you are out there helping him, please tell him I have been a good boy!him, please tell him I have been a good boy!

Okay, Okay, Roger that son,Roger that son, I have to goI have to go he said as he bent over he said as he bent over and kissed me again.and kissed me again.

George, here are some sandwiches and cookies for you and George, here are some sandwiches and cookies for you and your men, also there is a thermos of hot coffee and some extra your men, also there is a thermos of hot coffee and some extra cups for you on the stove. I doncups for you on the stove. I dont suppose you have time to eat t suppose you have time to eat your spaghetti, I didnyour spaghetti, I didnt think so. Now come here and give me a t think so. Now come here and give me a kiss kiss SargeSarge and go take care of those kids and hurry back to me.and go take care of those kids and hurry back to me.Chortled mom as she puckered up for a kiss. Chortled mom as she puckered up for a kiss.

TrixieTrixie, our cocker spaniel saw her chance to make a break for , our cocker spaniel saw her chance to make a break for some attention and had escaped from the mud room and was some attention and had escaped from the mud room and was wandering in and out of dadwandering in and out of dads legs begging attention as he bent s legs begging attention as he bent over and kissed his pregnant wife. Dad paused just a moment over and kissed his pregnant wife. Dad paused just a moment to pat momto pat moms tummy. Meanwhile s tummy. Meanwhile TrixieTrixiess strategic position strategic position between his legs made it impossible for him to walk as she between his legs made it impossible for him to walk as she whined and whimpered for attention. Her whole butt and docked whined and whimpered for attention. Her whole butt and docked tail began to shake with excitement as dad surrendered by tail began to shake with excitement as dad surrendered by reaching down and scratching her behind the ear. reaching down and scratching her behind the ear. Merry Merry Christmas to you too Christmas to you too TrixieTrixie!! he quipped as he bound out the he quipped as he bound out the door while buttoning up his jacket, donning his gloves then door while buttoning up his jacket, donning his gloves then juggling the sandwiches, cookies and coffee. juggling the sandwiches, cookies and coffee. Be back as soon Be back as soon as I can Mary, good night Skipper. Be sure to be in bed before as I can Mary, good night Skipper. Be sure to be in bed before Santa comes aroundSanta comes around

I ran to the window as my father bound out the side doorI ran to the window as my father bound out the side door. His . His silhouette contrast sharply against the white snow flurries silhouette contrast sharply against the white snow flurries highlighted by the streetlamp and the lights from the duce and ahighlighted by the streetlamp and the lights from the duce and ahalf truck. He trotted over to the truck and as the door flew ophalf truck. He trotted over to the truck and as the door flew open en he stepped up into the cab and I heard the hollow clang as the he stepped up into the cab and I heard the hollow clang as the door clamored shut. As the first truck pulled away, the street door clamored shut. As the first truck pulled away, the street light revealed dadlight revealed dads truck was just the first of three, duce and a s truck was just the first of three, duce and a half trucks convoy parked on our street. The Marines were half trucks convoy parked on our street. The Marines were giving two toots on the horn and waving as they passed by our giving two toots on the horn and waving as they passed by our cottage, faces just visible on the passenger side through the cottage, faces just visible on the passenger side through the partially frosted windows in the minus 20 degrees of the Windy partially frosted windows in the minus 20 degrees of the Windy City. I caught a glimpse into the back of each of the trucks as City. I caught a glimpse into the back of each of the trucks as they rolled away in formationthey rolled away in formationpacked to the hilt with brightly packed to the hilt with brightly wrapped and unwrapped toys, enough to make Santa jealous. wrapped and unwrapped toys, enough to make Santa jealous.

And so began for me, what my mother had already grown And so began for me, what my mother had already grown used to on Christmas Eve, a time when dad went out to used to on Christmas Eve, a time when dad went out to spread the message of cheer and hope with little words and spread the message of cheer and hope with little words and effective action. Dad was a quiet man, never made fanfare effective action. Dad was a quiet man, never made fanfare over his accomplishments; In fact it wasnover his accomplishments; In fact it wasnt until I was in the t until I was in the Marine Corps and learned what the ribbons stood for that I Marine Corps and learned what the ribbons stood for that I even realized he sported a Bronze Star with a V for valor. I even realized he sported a Bronze Star with a V for valor. I still remember, long after I had learned the truth about Santa, still remember, long after I had learned the truth about Santa, having to almost force my dad into telling me all about what having to almost force my dad into telling me all about what he had accomplished in his life. After I became a Marine, it he had accomplished in his life. After I became a Marine, it was much easier to talk to dad about some things. But again was much easier to talk to dad about some things. But again as I said before, he was a man of few words about himself as I said before, he was a man of few words about himself and decisive action. and decisive action.

Dad was there with the Toys for Tots from the beginning of Dad was there with the Toys for Tots from the beginning of its expansion into the Midwest in the late forties. He its expansion into the Midwest in the late forties. He continued to repeat this scenario, minus the Chicago snow continued to repeat this scenario, minus the Chicago snow for countless Christmases. Even while attending school at for countless Christmases. Even while attending school at Quantico and later working at the Pentagon, he still found Quantico and later working at the Pentagon, he still found time to work with the Marine Corps Reserve and bring in time to work with the Marine Corps Reserve and bring in record numbers of Toys for Tots. In fact his last Christmas record numbers of Toys for Tots. In fact his last Christmas on earth, even though suffering from dementia, he still on earth, even though suffering from dementia, he still insisted on helping distribute toys and food baskets to those insisted on helping distribute toys and food baskets to those less fortunate. less fortunate.

After we had moved to the Marine Corps Supply Center in After we had moved to the Marine Corps Supply Center in the middle of the Mojave Desert at Barstow, California he the middle of the Mojave Desert at Barstow, California he truly got into his element. He worked with the local service truly got into his element. He worked with the local service lodges and actually got a number of them to work together. lodges and actually got a number of them to work together. One would collect and help distribute turkeys or hams, One would collect and help distribute turkeys or hams, others generous food baskets, another clothes and still toys others generous food baskets, another clothes and still toys and games with the Marine Corps Reserveand games with the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots s Toys for Tots Program. It was really something to see how he would get Program. It was really something to see how he would get the Catholics working with the Protestants, the Moose Lodge the Catholics working with the Protestants, the Moose Lodge with the Elks, the Rotary with the Optimist and VFW; brining with the Elks, the Rotary with the Optimist and VFW; brining them all together to work with the Marine Corps Reservethem all together to work with the Marine Corps Reserves s Toys for Tots program. Toys for Tots program.

Most of this he did in stealth mode. That is to say, he Most of this he did in stealth mode. That is to say, he would get it started, he would act as coordinator, but he would get it started, he would act as coordinator, but he never did so in such a manner so as to draw attention to never did so in such a manner so as to draw attention to himself. He might get hoodwinked into being a speaker, a himself. He might get hoodwinked into being a speaker, a master of ceremonies or on one occasion a VIP on stage, master of ceremonies or on one occasion a VIP on stage, but he always brought attention and focus on the event and but he always brought attention and focus on the event and service, not himself. Whenever he was recognized for his service, not himself. Whenever he was recognized for his deeds, he always started his response with, deeds, he always started his response with, Thank you, it is Thank you, it is an honor to servean honor to serve Looking back on it now, I see someone Looking back on it now, I see someone who was truly dedicated to making the world a better place. who was truly dedicated to making the world a better place. He was not alone, there were several men and women who He was not alone, there were several men and women who graced our living room or we theirs during those years who graced our living room or we theirs during those years who were dedicated to honor, integrity and righteousness, just for were dedicated to honor, integrity and righteousness, just for righteousness sake. righteousness sake.

As with any service, there is always someone who comes As with any service, there is always someone who comes along and helps. It was shortly after we had moved into our along and helps. It was shortly after we had moved into our new home in Skyline North, yes, on the North side of new home in Skyline North, yes, on the North side of Barstow, that dad was united with his greatest rival of Barstow, that dad was united with his greatest rival of Christmas cheer; the right jolly oleChristmas cheer; the right jolly ole elf and Santaelf and Santas greatest s greatest helper, Ralph helper, Ralph TinyTiny Francis Alexander. If dad was the Francis Alexander. If dad was the Man Man who was never home for Christmas,: then Ralph was who was never home for Christmas,: then Ralph was The The Man who Loved Christmas.Man who Loved Christmas.

RalphRalphs girth, white hair and kind eyes made him one of s girth, white hair and kind eyes made him one of the greatest Santa Clausthe greatest Santa Claus I have ever seen. Not one to I have ever seen. Not one to skimp on Christmas, he had his Santa Suit custom made, skimp on Christmas, he had his Santa Suit custom made, bought his own Santa Boots, would grow out his mustache bought his own Santa Boots, would grow out his mustache and weave it into the beard so it was as realistic as possible; and weave it into the beard so it was as realistic as possible; he even went so far as to buy a pair of glasses to match his he even went so far as to buy a pair of glasses to match his costume just for wearing with his Santa suit. From his black costume just for wearing with his Santa suit. From his black well polished boots to his bright read suit, hat, mittens, belt,well polished boots to his bright read suit, hat, mittens, belt,suspenders, the costume was as complete as a Marinesuspenders, the costume was as complete as a Marines s dress blue alpha uniform. dress blue alpha uniform.

So now there was a team bound to destroy any semblance So now there was a team bound to destroy any semblance of humbuggery, one which would work in unison to thwart of humbuggery, one which would work in unison to thwart poverty and look after the needs of the poor at Christmas poverty and look after the needs of the poor at Christmas time. First things first, Dad helped Grandpa Ralph to get a time. First things first, Dad helped Grandpa Ralph to get a job at the Post Exchange at special services. This was reallyjob at the Post Exchange at special services. This was really

a job for a retired person and with over 35 years on the a job for a retired person and with over 35 years on the railroad and a full pension, Tiny fit the bill. But the real railroad and a full pension, Tiny fit the bill. But the real strategic reason was, beings this was a Marine Corps base, strategic reason was, beings this was a Marine Corps base, all persons working aboard the base needed to be pre all persons working aboard the base needed to be pre approved, even Santa Claus and his merry elves. So with approved, even Santa Claus and his merry elves. So with Grandpa Ralph now working at the base with a civilian ID it Grandpa Ralph now working at the base with a civilian ID it could be arranged for him to be the Base Santa Claus during could be arranged for him to be the Base Santa Claus during the Toys for Totthe Toys for Tots campaign.s campaign.

Dad was in the background making things happen for Toys Dad was in the background making things happen for Toys for Tots while at the same time writing some of the pioneer for Tots while at the same time writing some of the pioneer codec for application programming for his day job as a Data codec for application programming for his day job as a Data Systems Analyst. Grandpa in the meantime was there to Systems Analyst. Grandpa in the meantime was there to kick off the campaign with a bang! Santa was going to arrive kick off the campaign with a bang! Santa was going to arrive at the base at exactly 1100 hours on the Saturday before at the base at exactly 1100 hours on the Saturday before Christmas. Unbeknown to mom, grandma or any of us kids, Christmas. Unbeknown to mom, grandma or any of us kids, dad and grandpa had a grand appearance set up for Santa. I dad and grandpa had a grand appearance set up for Santa. I thought I knew what was going to happen because I heard thought I knew what was going to happen because I heard grandpa and dad talking. And they didngrandpa and dad talking. And they didnt seem to mind that I t seem to mind that I heard them, I just assumed this was because I was in on the, heard them, I just assumed this was because I was in on the, grandpa is just Santagrandpa is just Santas helper,s helper, wink, wink, nod, nod, yeah wink, wink, nod, nod, yeah right, got it. I can still see it now, in the middle of the tennright, got it. I can still see it now, in the middle of the tennis is courts they had a big gigantic box filled with who knows what. courts they had a big gigantic box filled with who knows what. In front of the courts they had half the parking lot roped off, In front of the courts they had half the parking lot roped off, a a couple of the officers wives thought this was for their benefit couple of the officers wives thought this was for their benefit and after some hushed words to them by a butterball MP and after some hushed words to them by a butterball MP they nodded and quickly moved their cars.they nodded and quickly moved their cars.

Then on the loud speaker came a very familiar voice, one I Then on the loud speaker came a very familiar voice, one I had heard most of my life at home announcing, had heard most of my life at home announcing, Ladies, Ladies, Gentlemen, Marines and boys Gentlemen, Marines and boys n girls of all ages. We regret n girls of all ages. We regret to inform you Santato inform you Santas reindeer were not able to deliver Santa s reindeer were not able to deliver Santa today. Unfortunately they need to rest up for their big night today. Unfortunately they need to rest up for their big night next week,next week, moans began to surge throughout the crowd moans began to surge throughout the crowd when that kindly voice brought further assurances to the when that kindly voice brought further assurances to the audience, audience, Not to worry or fear, Santa called upon the Unite Not to worry or fear, Santa called upon the Unite States Marine Corps to help him and the situation is well in States Marine Corps to help him and the situation is well in hand. In fact if you look over to the Northwest at this very hand. In fact if you look over to the Northwest at this very moment you will soon see Santamoment you will soon see Santas special ride is on the ways special ride is on the way

here.here. As the chop, chop, chop of a USMC MAGAs the chop, chop, chop of a USMC MAG--16 Helicopter 16 Helicopter came flying in from over by the golf course. Coming in low Santacame flying in from over by the golf course. Coming in low Santacould be seen waving to the children as the chopper flew over could be seen waving to the children as the chopper flew over the tennis court and parking lot. Then as if Rudolph himself wasthe tennis court and parking lot. Then as if Rudolph himself wasguiding them the young pilot landed the Huey on the money in guiding them the young pilot landed the Huey on the money in the parking lot right next to the tennis court. Santa burst out the parking lot right next to the tennis court. Santa burst out waving to the crowd shouting Merry Christmas as two Marines waving to the crowd shouting Merry Christmas as two Marines escorted Grandpa Santa to his chair for interviews with the escorted Grandpa Santa to his chair for interviews with the children. children.

It was then discovered, the giant box was a combination It was then discovered, the giant box was a combination SantaSantas chair and storage for toys. Santa would listen to the boys s chair and storage for toys. Santa would listen to the boys and girls as they made their demands in the form of begging and girls as they made their demands in the form of begging wishes, expressing their heartfelt desires for gifts and goodieswishes, expressing their heartfelt desires for gifts and goodiesfor the soon to be made delivery by the right jolly ole elf. Aftfor the soon to be made delivery by the right jolly ole elf. After er hearing their wishes, each boy and girl received a token gift anhearing their wishes, each boy and girl received a token gift and d a candy cane from Santa and sent on their way. As is always the a candy cane from Santa and sent on their way. As is always the case, some kids were naughty some kids were nice and some case, some kids were naughty some kids were nice and some were just bullies in linewere just bullies in linepushing and shoving and wreaking pushing and shoving and wreaking havoc for their mom. Usually, this was the officerhavoc for their mom. Usually, this was the officers kids, sorry but s kids, sorry but the progeny of a staff NCO would not dare act spoiled in public the progeny of a staff NCO would not dare act spoiled in public and bring down the wrath from the backbone of the Corps.and bring down the wrath from the backbone of the Corps.

The next thing that happened was one of those minor miracles The next thing that happened was one of those minor miracles of Christmas. Two Marines stood on either side of the of Christmas. Two Marines stood on either side of the exit/entrance gate to the tennis court at parade rest. They realexit/entrance gate to the tennis court at parade rest. They really ly looked sharp in their dress blues, each standing by a famous looked sharp in their dress blues, each standing by a famous Toys for Tots bin. One of the more obnoxious boys had received Toys for Tots bin. One of the more obnoxious boys had received his gift, he grabbed his candy cane in one hand and his toy in his gift, he grabbed his candy cane in one hand and his toy in the other and headed for the gate, his mother chasing after him.the other and headed for the gate, his mother chasing after him.As he got to the Toys for Tots bins he all of a sudden froze, I As he got to the Toys for Tots bins he all of a sudden froze, I dondont know to this day exactly what the motivation was. If it was t know to this day exactly what the motivation was. If it was the Toys for Tots sign on the bin, a sudden realization he was the Toys for Tots sign on the bin, a sudden realization he was being a being a putzputz or the Marine Reservist in their Blues, but the boy or the Marine Reservist in their Blues, but the boy took his new toy Santa had just gave him and put it in the bin. took his new toy Santa had just gave him and put it in the bin. Behind him were other kids, I remember hearing them say, Behind him were other kids, I remember hearing them say, What is he doing mom?What is he doing mom? or or Look what that boy did with his Look what that boy did with his toytoy

He is giving his toy away to the poor kids with the Marine He is giving his toy away to the poor kids with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program,Corps Toys for Tots program, said someonesaid someones mom.s mom.

Oh, okay,Oh, okay, said her two boys as they did the same, then said her two boys as they did the same, then the girls, then practically every kid above the age of 4 gave the girls, then practically every kid above the age of 4 gave their toys back to help the Marine Corpstheir toys back to help the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Toys for Tots program. No one could believe what was going on. Parents program. No one could believe what was going on. Parents were beside themselves. Some whispered to their kids and I were beside themselves. Some whispered to their kids and I know urged them to follow suit. Others took the kids to the know urged them to follow suit. Others took the kids to the bins and just stood there while the kids deposited their toys. bins and just stood there while the kids deposited their toys. Still the majority of the idea came not from the parents, but Still the majority of the idea came not from the parents, but from the children and it all started with that one obnoxious from the children and it all started with that one obnoxious officerofficers brat of a boy. The same boy, whom I later learned s brat of a boy. The same boy, whom I later learned because of his behavior in line was told by Santa, because of his behavior in line was told by Santa, You had You had better behave yourself if you donbetter behave yourself if you dont want to see a lump of coal t want to see a lump of coal in your sock at Christmas time under the tree.in your sock at Christmas time under the tree.

Yes, there were other ChristmasYes, there were other Christmas the Man who was never the Man who was never home for Christmas and the Man who Loved Christmas home for Christmas and the Man who Loved Christmas celebrated and commemorated together, but I doncelebrated and commemorated together, but I dont think t think even the time even the time SantaSanta parachuted out of a C130 or drove the parachuted out of a C130 or drove the ladder section of the base fire truck ever compared to the ladder section of the base fire truck ever compared to the flurry of gifts that came in to Toys for Tots that one Saturday flurry of gifts that came in to Toys for Tots that one Saturday morning before Christmas. morning before Christmas.

I remember the day when Dad and I were sitting outside I remember the day when Dad and I were sitting outside on the patio drinking iced tea and just relaxing. It was shortlyon the patio drinking iced tea and just relaxing. It was shortlyafter I was done with my tour of active duty in the Marine after I was done with my tour of active duty in the Marine Corps I asked dad why he got so involved over Christmas Corps I asked dad why he got so involved over Christmas and the rest of the year helping to poor and needy. I kind of and the rest of the year helping to poor and needy. I kind of knew where his head was at, but I wanted to hear how he knew where his head was at, but I wanted to hear how he articulated his answer, articulated his answer, I have to help the poor and needy. If I have to help the poor and needy. If I do not help the poor, then I canI do not help the poor, then I cant be sure anyone will. If I do t be sure anyone will. If I do help them, then I can be sure others will follow my lead.help them, then I can be sure others will follow my lead.

You know the whole, mom, apple pie, truth, justice and You know the whole, mom, apple pie, truth, justice and the American way really meant something to this generation. the American way really meant something to this generation. Looking back now, I think they may have had it right in the Looking back now, I think they may have had it right in the beginning. It was just through their innocence of knowing beginning. It was just through their innocence of knowing that right makes might from experience and not an academic that right makes might from experience and not an academic perspective, which kept them whole. They were not afraid to perspective, which kept them whole. They were not afraid to say Merry Christmas and Happy Easter to anyone and say Merry Christmas and Happy Easter to anyone and FridayFridays were always fish day in the school cafeterias so the s were always fish day in the school cafeterias so the Catholic Christians could have their day without meat. I hope Catholic Christians could have their day without meat. I hope all the future Christmases you celebrate after reading this all the future Christmases you celebrate after reading this will have deep and balanced meaning for you. And will have deep and balanced meaning for you. And remember, one man or woman can make a difference, even remember, one man or woman can make a difference, even if that is you. if that is you.

We personally hope you enjoyed this chapter from We personally hope you enjoyed this chapter from One Man One Man Can Make A DifferenceCan Make A Difference, the life Story of George H. Canevit , the life Story of George H. Canevit Sr. It has been adopted and formatted especially for this Sr. It has been adopted and formatted especially for this Christmas Letter. We wanted to share with all of you a piece Christmas Letter. We wanted to share with all of you a piece of our legacy. of our legacy.

In Memory of

George H. Canevit Sr.