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Photo Information

The Beaufort Belles sing at the 46th Annual Senior Tea aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Dec. 13. The group performed an arrangement of Christmas music to the crowd. The Beaufort Belles, directed by Cindy Valieant, are a barbershop singing group comprised of about 18 members from the Beaufort area.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Torres

Officers’ Spouses’ Club hosts 46th Annual Senior Tea

18 Dec 2015 | Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Senior citizens from the Lowcountry, Marines and other guests attended the 46th annual Senior Tea aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Dec. 13.

The event was organized in 1968 by The Officers’ Spouses’ Club who wanted to host a holiday tea party for the local senior citizens. The event has evolved throughout the years since its beginnings more than four decades ago to what it is today.

“The first tea started out as a simple affair with homemade cookies and caroling,” said Col. Peter Buck, the commanding officer of MCAS Beaufort. “It has grown and changed over the years, but still serves the same purpose: to honor the seniors in our midst.”

Marine officers with the air station escorted the guests to their sitting areas at the commencement of the event and out to their vehicles once the ceremony concluded.

            During the event, gifts were presented to the longest married couple, the most festive attire, the guest with the most grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the most ‘senior’ senior. Anne Hirschmann, the woman who chaired the first senior tea, was present at the event and received a gift for her 46-year attendance.

             Students from Battery Creek High School, and members of The Beaufort Academy of Dance, Beaufort Belles, and the Beaufort Harbormasters provided the evening’s entertainment.

            “I would like to recognize the women behind today’s event, the Officers’ Spouses’ Club board president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and parliamentarian ,” said Buck.

The Officers’ Spouses’ Club is an organization that has helped to build camaraderie among the families who are stationed aboard MCAS Beaufort with social events and philanthropic activities, such as providing college scholarships for military dependents, donating gift cards to Marines and sailors during the holidays, and hosting the Senior Citizens’ Tea.

“Each year, whether or not this event occurs, depends upon the volunteers and generous donations that provide for the food, venue, and gifts,” said Beth Woodring, the OSC Vice-President.

            The holidays are a very busy time of year, and with the help from the Marines, volunteers, and the spouses of the OSC, hundreds of senior citizens had the opportunity to enjoy the festive event aboard the air station once again. MCAS Beaufort will continue to hold events to honor and foster the holiday spirit between the Marines and the local community throughout the holiday season.