Santa Claus comes to Carswell Published Dec. 29, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Kristin Mack 301st Fighter Wing Fort Worth, TEXAS -- Small children with bright and curious eyes peered out from the edge of the maintenance hangar, building 1643, as they anxiously awaited to catch a glimpse of Santa arriving in a 457th Fighter Squadron F-16 recently. As the fighter jet taxied in Santa gave a welcoming wave to the crowd that was captured by his presence. After the roaring engines came to a halt he walked down the steps from jet with a jolly "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas" to all of the children whose eyes were fixed on his every move. This was no ordinary Santa. This Santa performs these types of visits every Christmas season in his spare time, not for monetary gain, but out of love and openheartedness. Dr. Don Shelton of the Fort Worth Air Power Council (FWAPC), has taken time from his busy schedule to provide this service to the children of the 301st Fighter Wing every year for the last three years, while also maintaining his image as one of the most popular Santas in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. With over 200 engagements annually, he always has the same goal in mind, to warm the hearts of children while donating the proceeds to multiple charities. "It's all about helping the kids," said Dr. Shelton. "I love to see the sparkle in their eyes." He began his Santa career several years ago performing at one of his largest engagements, the Macy's Christmas Day Parade. He continued appearing there year after year, until he recently had to slip on a fat suit to compensate for 70 pounds he lost for his health. Soon after, a naturally larger Santa replaced him, but he still has many engagements at other venues despite of his fit and healthy status. His role preparation starts on April 15 when he stops trimming his beard. "It's a day I always remember," Dr. Shelton said. Then right after Thanksgiving it's just the right length and he starts making all of his appearances. He performs at the Shrine circus, Coca-Cola, several battered women's shelters, churches, Christmas parties, and many more locations. "I never accept any money," Dr. Shelton said. "It all goes to those who are in need." Dr. Shelton has had a full career, which began in broadcasting. He initiated a television network that had 154 channels and produced many commercials with popular slogans that are still used as commentary in social settings today. He also served as a presidential appointee during former President Ronald Reagan's administration. "It was nice to be right next to the guy that runs the free nation," said Dr. Shelton. One of his more recent ventures was creating a real estate company that grew to several offices nationwide and continues to thrive. Although he claims he is retired, his restlessness won't let him sit still for long. He recently began helping his daughter with the construction of her boutique. It didn't take long for the word to get around about the work he had completed. His impressive results led to several other construction projects currently underway. With a very full schedule, Dr. Shelton's Santa job remains his favorite and most rewarding, as is evidenced by the warm glow so obviously present on his face when he is with the children. His celebrity status is recognized at almost every restaurant he frequents. Children will come to his table and request autographs, even when he is out of his Santa suit. As the Christmas season comes to a close and all of Santa's work has been done, it's tradition in his family for the grandkids to gather around and trim his beard Christmas day. It's then time to take off the suit his wife so skillfully sewed together and give it a rest for another big year ahead as Dr. Shelton thinks to himself, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"