F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- 'Twas long before Christmas, but all through F. E. Warren, children rushed to see Santa after breakfast Saturday morning.

Santa Claus left the elves to fend for themselves to visit Mighty Ninety Airmen and their families in the Trail's End Club Nov. 24.

After breakfast was served by the Trail's End Club staff, children gathered to watch a magic show preceding the big guy's entrance. Ecstatic children knew what the jingling bells announcing Claus' visit meant, and they hurriedly formed a line to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas and to have their photo taken with him.

"I came here to visit all the wonderful children at F. E. Warren," Claus said. "Kids on F. E. Warren are wonderful -- hardly a naughty one in the bunch!"

Coordinating with Claus was Maureen Gomez, 90th Force Support Squadron club manager, and the rest of the Trail's End Club staff.

"Once a year the club puts this on for everyone with base access," she said. "It's us giving back."

This year's visit was the fourth annual breakfast with Santa, she said.

In order to make it to F. E. Warren, Claus' travels are coordinated with the help of NORAD and the 37th Helicopter Squadron, he said.

"The helicopter pilots always give me a nice lead in," he explained.

Santa Claus is scheduled to make another appearance today at the Fall Hall Community Center following a base tree-lighting at the base flag pole at 5 p.m.