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DENVER: The US Army is tracking an old man with a white beard and a big belly named Saint Nicholas.
However, there is no reason to be alarmed, said Air Force General Glen D VanHerck.
In fact, this is a Christmas tradition that turns 65. The North American Aerospace Defense Command, a joint U.S.-Canadian operation protecting the skies of both countries, has tracked down the legendary jolly old man since a boy mistakenly called the base in 1955, asking to speak to Santa.
The base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, used to monitor for signs of a nuclear attack. But this year, base officers are making sure that the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t sideline Santa Claus and his reindeer, as the storybooks say, by handing out gifts to children around the world.
While Santa’s tracking operations center typically has around 1,500 volunteers taking calls from around the world, this year they have been cut back due to COVID-19 concerns with few people at the center and many answering calls remotely. . With the smaller operation, they have also added a voicemail for callers who are not communicating with an operator.
But as cases continue to rise around the world, the question arises: will Santa be able to safely bring us our gifts?
“Santa Claus has been doing this for many, many years, as you know, and before he has been through pandemics and challenges around the world. I’m one hundred percent sure that Santa Claus knows exactly how to stay safe, ”said VanHerck.
Despite a unique holiday season, the NORAD Commander said they don’t expect any disruptions to Santa’s storybook schedule.
“We hope that Santa Claus arrives on time, arrives between 21:00 and midnight at each house. I would encourage all the children to make sure they are in bed before 9 pm so that Santa can be on time, ”he said.
Your other important message: You can still skip cookies.
This is VanHerck’s first year tracking down Santa. The commander said it is an honor to be able to interact with people from all over the world and to be part of a tradition that spans generations.
“Before I was the Commander of NORAD, I had no idea how popular this really is and how many people have done it for decades from when they were children until now,” VanHerck said. “So continuing that tradition is really important.”
VanHerck said he hopes tracking Santa will bring happiness to families during an unprecedented Christmas season and after months of being stuck at home, especially for children who attend school remotely and can’t see friends due to the COVID-19.
“We hope it brings you some normalcy and joy during the holiday season,” VanHerck said. “So as long as we can bring good news, enjoy the family and all the children, it will be a great success.”
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