THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 21, 1994 TAG: 9412200103
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Although he doesn't wear the official Santa's helper elf uniform, Marine Staff Sgt. David Fender has been doing a lot of ho-ho-hoing this season.
Fender, in his fourth year as coordinator of the area Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Drive, figures his group's efforts will supply holiday toys to more than 22,000 local children this season. That's quite a step up from the 7,000 children helped the first year he took over the job.
``It's a great feeling. It leaves you speechless when you see the individuals and you give them the toys,'' said Fender, the father of six.
After 19 1/2 years in the service, though, he's ready to become a civilian. ``Seven months, nine days and a wake-up and I retire,'' he said.
(You can still help the Toys for Tots campaign. Mail donations to MACS24, Dam Neck, Virginia Beach, Va., 23461-5579. Or, check the malls, there may still be some collection barrels left at Kay-Bee toy store sites.)
Full name: David Andrew Fender.
Hometown: Springfield, Mo.
What brought you to the Beach? United States Marines Corps.
Birthdate: Feb. 15, 1957.
Occupation: Tidewater area Toys for Tots coordinator.
Nickname: Andy.
Marital status: Married.
Children: Six: Andrew, 17, Stephen, 16, Michael, 14, Theresa, 12, Laura, 9, and Joseph, 7.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Sitting in front of the computer cruising the Internet.
Last smart thing you did: Volunteered for Toys for Tots coordinators.
Last dumb thing you did: Let my son drive my truck.
Favorite meal: Fried tempura with sushi and saki.
Favorite movies: ``Somewhere in Time,'' ``Final Countdown.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Good eyesight.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? It is impossible to change perfection.
Favorite song: ``Faded Love'' by Bob Wills.
Last book read: ``Close Combat'' by W.E.B. Griffin.
Hobbies: Computers, golf.
Secret vice: Snickers candy bars.
Favorite restaurant: Applebee's
Your favorite night on the town: Dinner, walking around Barnes and Noble book store.
Favorite TV shows: ``Beyond 2000,'' ``Beverly Hillbillies.''
Favorite sport: Swimming.
Last vacation: Christmas trip to cabin in North Carolina mountains.
Pets: Stupid cat.
Worst job: Burning human waste in South America.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Rearing my children.
What would you like on your epitaph? Here lies a Marine currently guarding the gates of heaven. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN
by CNB