Retired Missouri Guardsman moonlights as St. Nick

While assuming the role of Santa Claus at the 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade's Family Day, Ted Snodgrass cuts up with Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Roman and Sgt. 1st Class Heather Javersak. Roman and Javersak helped Snodgrass pass out the gifts and also served with him both stateside and overseas. (Photo by Jennifer Archdekin/Missouri National Guard)

By Jennifer Archdekin
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Though he no longer wears the Army uniform or serves with the National Guard, Ted Snodgrass still makes a point to visit his former unit while donning a new red uniform.

For the past three years Snodgrass has had the honor of being Santa Claus for the 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at their annual Family Day event. Even after his retirement in April 2010, Snodgrass still makes his way to the Kansas City armory, along with his wife Alice, to reconnect with Soldiers he once served with and spread a little Christmas joy to their Families.

Just before he retired, the unit asked him to lace up his black boots and sport a fluffy white beard since he would soon be leaving. The next year when they approached him about coming back for an encore performance he gladly accepted.

"I said yeah, I'll come back and visit and get a free meal," Snodgrass joked. "I get to see everybody at least once a year. You miss the people even though you may not miss the other stuff. You check on Families and see how Families are."

Snodgrass said that the military chapter of his life may be closed, but he still keeps in touch with Soldiers, though admittedly not as often as he should.

The desire to remain engaged in what was once such a large part of his life also carries over to his civilian career. Snodgrass was an educator for 30 years and is a retired junior high school principal. He continues to substitute teach and will occasionally drop by his former school for a visit.

Snodgrass said he plans to reprise his role as Father Christmas for the unit for the foreseeable future because it allows him to remain connected to both his military service and children.

"Today is more for the Families than it is for the Soldiers," said Snodgrass. "I've been through a lot of these and it's always nice to see the kids, and give the kids a chance to have a good time. I've been around kids all my life; it's kind of fun."

Snodgrass, a former master sergeant, served 23 years in the Missouri Army National Guard and four years active duty. He was the military police noncommissioned officer operations sergeant for the 110th MEB. He resides in Anderson with his wife, Alice, of 38 years.

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While filling in for Santa Claus during his busy season, retired Guardsman Ted Snodgrass visits with Ciara and Jude Middleton during the 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade's Family Day at the Kansas City armory. Snodgrass has been Santa for the last three years, passing out gifts to the Soldiers' Family members. The children's mom, Capt. Andrea Middleton, serves with the unit. (Photo by Jennifer Archdekin/Missouri National Guard)