Kids enrolled in the Whidbey Island Armed Forces YMCA got an unexpected holiday surprise last Friday. However, this “Santa” wasn’t in red, but in U.S. Navy khaki.

The Whidbey Island Mustang Association (WIMA) donated $240 worth of educational computer software for kid’s age pre-school through 5th grade to learn math, reading, spelling and phonics while on colorful, fun adventures.

Cmdr. David Latosky, WIMA president, and association members Cmdr. Chuck Murphy and retired Warrant Officer and WIMA treasurer J.B. Beaver presented 22 software education programs to Butch Laurion, Whidbey Island Armed Forces YMCA Senior Executive Director. Both Latosky and Murphy work at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Whidbey Island as commanding officer and executive officer, respectively.

“We have 70 kids here a day,” said Laurion. “About 80 percent are from military families. Some kids are in preschool; private all-day kindergarten or before and after school programs.”

From Scholastic Math Blaster to Cluefinders to JumpStart and Zoombinis programs, Laurion said the kids will thoroughly enjoy the new educational software.

According to Beaver, WIMA began in 2004 with a membership of 110 people. It’s a professional and social organization instituted for naval officers who served three or more years in the enlisted ranks. Mustangs take pride in reaching into the enlisted ranks and supporting those worthy Sailors seeking a commission. They also know the importance of an ongoing support network and are committed to helping each other during and after military service.