By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

With Santa Claus’ sleigh undergoing maintenance in preparation for his worldwide journey on Christmas Eve, he needed some help when he booked multiple events in separate states on the same day on Dec. 18.

In the morning, Santa was scheduled to visit National Guard families at Camp Shelby near Hattiesburg, Miss., before returning to Shelby County to ride on the North Pole Express at Calera’s Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum the same night.

When Santa’s local pilot friend, Jim Cawthon, heard about the dilemma, he said he was quick to offer his services in hopes of “earning a spot on the good list.”

So at about 6:30 a.m., Cawthon, fellow pilot Chris Roberts and Santa, who also goes by the name of Bill Schober, lifted off from the Shelby County Airport in Cawthon’s Cessna 172 Skyhawk en route to Camp Shelby.

After arriving at Camp Shelby, Santa and the pilots received a heroes’ welcome, riding atop a tank to greet families stationed at the base.

“This was my second year to visit with the National Guard families,” Santa said, noting he has also visited with children in the Middle East over the past several years. “I was in the military myself, so that’s why I enjoy doing this so much.”

After the Camp Shelby visit, Santa, Cawthon and Roberts re-boarded the Cessna for the about two-hour flight from Mississippi to Shelby County to allow Santa plenty of time to make it to his appearance on the North Pole Express.

When the Skyhawk touched down at the Shelby County Airport at about 3:20 p.m., Santa drew plenty of attention from the pilots gathered around the terminal.

“We got here in plenty of time, and no reindeer got injured,” Santa said after exiting the aircraft, removing his headset and putting his trademark hat on.

For Cawthon, the decision to help Santa out the week before Christmas was an easy call.

“With Santa as a passenger, you have to be on your best behavior,” Cawthon, wearing an elf-style cap, said after landing in Shelby County. “I’ve been working to get off the bad list, and Santa has agreed to send an email to the elf who handles that.”