One of the memories Stanley has of Thule is hearing the aircraft take off on Christmas Eve as part of the Santa Tracker program. While listening to the broadcast, Stanley heard the afterburners of two jets kick in from inside the barracks.
Minutes later, the report came that they had identified Santa Claus.
While the highest purpose of the military is a deadly serious one, it’s important to remember that the people within the military are human. They have human needs and emotions, and can have fun and enjoy the holidays while still executing their mission.
In this case, a fluke in a newspaper ad led to a tradition that’s still alive and well today.
You can hear about the history of the Santa Tracker program below.
Recently, Thule Air Base has been renamed the Pituffik Space Base, and is now under control of the U.S. Space Force. Take a quick video tour of the living quarters on base as they are today by clicking here.
Generally speaking, this isn’t the space for such discussions, but since Stanley himself mentioned them in his interview, lets take a moment to recognize the struggle of the Inughuit people who were unceremoniously displaced when the base at Thule was built, under a treaty negotiated in secret between the United States and Danish governments.
You can read more about The Trail of Frozen Tears by clicking here.
The story brings to mind a quote from the famous American Mark Twain;
“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.”
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