Airmen brave the cold to secure sculptures

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  For a third year, 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airmen rallied together to provide security for the statues of ice art created by artists from all over the world in North Pole, Alaska.

Volunteers took turns performing periodic security checks during the 4th Annual North Pole Christmas in Ice Festival. At the festival's conclusion, 354th LRS Airmen will have stood watch over the sculptures for 42 nights.

The artists are brought in using donations from local businesses and citizens. The park is host to $188,000 worth of sculptures, ice slides and various logos. A security detail is necessary to protect the hard work of the artists and the community that sponsors the event.

The Airmen also harvested ice from a local pond for the event. This year more than 300 blocks of ice were harvested to be used to create the sculptures in the ice park.

Artists chipped and carved the blocks to form various sculptures including a truck, a Christmas tree and ice slides. The artists pored over their creations for varying amounts of time, which is why the destruction or defacement of the sculptures would be devastating to the creators.

The LRS Airmen have provided more than 2,000 hours of security, which has helped to make the event a success for families to enjoy.

At first glance, ice sculptures may seem a strange item to guard; however, there's more at stake than just a vandalized display.

"Supporting the festival helps maintain good relations between the military and the local community," said Staff Sgt. Nathan Funkhouser, 354th LRS Fuels Information Manager.

This event has earned North Pole a spot in the "Top 15 Cool Winter Destinations in the World" on the Bing.com's travel website. It continues to be a welcomed winter attraction, supported by generous local donations and dedicated community volunteers.

By taking the time to watch out for Eielson's neighbors, the 354th LRS have ensured the frozen statues on display will stand to be enjoyed by local families and visitors from all over.