Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) and NMCP's American Red Cross Station hosted the 18th annual Operation Bright Light gift-giving event Dec. 10.

Operation Bright Light is one of two annual visits by Santa and motorcyclists -- they also distribute presents to pediatric patients during Christmas in July.

Dozens of members from five motorcycle organizations brought Santa, as well as Winnie the Pooh, to pass out presents to pediatric patients at the medical center. Members of the Rolling Thunder (Chapter 5) were joined by American Legion Posts 2 and 284, Azreals Liberty Chapter, Sons of Poseidon, and first-time participants Unleashed Beasts.

The motorcycle organizations collected more than 600 presents and visited more than two dozen children in the emergency room and the Pediatrics Ward.

"Their visit brings smiles to the faces of some of our sickest and youngest patients," said Capt. Matt Case, NMCP's executive officer. "It's also great for our staff to see members of the community come to support us. And a special thanks to the Red Cross; Second Class Petty Officer Association; and Chris Brogan, our child life specialist; who also work to make this event possible."

The first stop for the group was the emergency room, where Santa and his "elves" gave presents to more than a dozen children receiving treatment, along with several siblings. Winnie the Pooh passed out coloring books and crayons, while high-fiving the children or playing peek-a-boo. Then Santa and Winnie surprised seven patients and a few siblings in the Pediatrics Ward.

"This was wonderful -- it was a really nice thing to do," said Kimberly Hodges, grandmother of Micah, 7, who had been hospitalized the day before. "He has something pleasant to remember from this experience. He gets nervous coming here, so this helps build the trust and helps him open up to tell if something is wrong."

"Santa said I'm tough," Micah added as he colored and checked out the toy from Santa. "It was joyful in my heart to see Santa."

The motorcyclists included seasoned present-givers, but also new comers.

"This is our first time participating," said Felecia Jones of Unleashed Beasts. "It's very heartwarming because this is the time of year that we should be giving. Being part of this is a blessing. A lot of the children are younger, so this is also for the parents and the siblings who are having to deal with this at a time when you should be together having fun with your family."

While Santa has been visiting the children for years, this was only the second visit for Winnie.

"I joined the American Legion two weeks before the visit in July, and I had the Winnie suit, so we thought that would be something else for our visits," said retired Air Force Master Sgt. Jon Hernandez, a wounded warrior with 23 years of service. "Since then, Winnie has gotten a biker's vest with pooh bear patches from all over the world and pins. He's a conglomeration of all the riders' ideas."

Hernandez said he has experienced being a patient many times himself and knows firsthand how a visit from a well-wisher can make a difference.

"I have had multiple surgeries and was in a wheelchair," Hernandez said. "When I had visits from people who were trying to brighten my spirits, I remember how much it meant to me. So that's why I like doing this."

"It feels good that when you walk in the room of a kid who is sick, they smile and get excited," said Mila Hernandez, wife of Jon, who spent much of the visit taking pictures of Winnie entertaining the children. "Their excitement is the best part of this and what makes a difference."

After visiting the children, the group gathered in the galley for refreshments. Members of NMCP's First and Second Class Petty Officers Associations; Junior Enlisted Association; and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Committee also assisted with the event. The toys which remained after the event will be distributed to future pediatric patients until Santa's next visit in July.

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