Vets Don Santa Suits to Help Inspire Patriotic Pride

This weekend at the Veterans Boat Show, there were a number of men dressed as Santa Claus roaming around the marina, but they weren't handing out wrapped gifts or singing Christmas carols.

No, this group of jolly, white-bearded men was busy spreading the word about their non-traditional, non-profit organization, the Santa Claus Drill Team, which according to their flier, is "a collection of primarily grizzled old veterans...united with the common goal to bring honor, and a little humor, to our heroes."

"This is our third year, we have about 14 members, and we've been all over the country performing," head Santa Bob Elkin said.

"We do the pledge of allegiance, the story of the War of 1812, the story of the Star Spangled Banner, all to help promote patriotism and appreciation for the men and women who have served our country."

The team goes to various patriotic events, such as Veterans Day ceremonies, 4th of July celebrations, etc...and does live presentations of these songs and stories in a "quasi-military style."

Needless to say, they raise more than a few eyebrows wherever they go.

But Elkin says that when they are done with their presentations, especially their stirring rendition of the history of the American flag, they evoke reactions that have nothing to do with laughter.

"Our signature piece is the history of Old Glory, a fist person account of the flag from its origins up until today. We usually evoke a few moist eyes with that one," he admitted. 

To learn more about the Santa Claus Drill Team, visit their website, santasdrillteam.com, or contact Bob Elkin by email at santabob@ptsdrillteam.com or by phone at 813-230-9254.