Retired Air Force mechanic brings smiles to Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Aliza Reisberg
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The holidays bring about a spirit of giving for most, but for retired Air Force aircraft mechanic Harold Adams, the season of giving is year-round.

Adams has been visiting the commissary here twice a month for more than two years to give handmade wooden toys to children. This tradition was started by his close friend, who passed away unexpectedly.

"I was there when he passed and I told him, 'If you would trust me, I would take and finish all of the unfinished projects and I would continue giving them away to the kids out here,'" said Adams, who now carries on his late friend's legacy by making all the toys himself.

Adams has many cherished memories and stories from his visits to the commissary. He recalled a child who was so thrilled with his new wooden tank that he convinced his mother to buy a thank-you card and bring it to Adams immediately, along with a hug of gratitude.

Adams cherishes the moment when he gave a toy to a little boy and learned the boy's mother had been given a toy as a little girl from Adams' friend 20 years ago. Adams delights children with his handmade tanks, trains and aircraft. He said he makes about three to four small cars in one day, but a more detailed project, like the NASA aircraft he brought most recently, can take up to two days to complete.

"I love the expressions on their faces," said Adams. "the enjoyment of the look on their face when they get something unexpected for nothing."

The children at the commissary aren't the only lucky recipients of Adams' toys. His 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren benefit from them, too. In addition to putting smiles on children's faces, Adams volunteers with the American Cancer Society, driving cancer patients to their medical appointments.

"I get my reward when I take them for their very last treatment and they walk out of that facility with the diploma in their hand and they say 'I'm cancer-free' and they've got a smile on their face," said Adams. "That's my reward. You can't beat it."