Join us for our weekly “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From all 50 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week's profile is about Tyler Bennett '03
On Christmas Eve, millions of families across the globe will delight their children by tracking Santa Claus’ annual journey using the world’s largest military command: NORAD at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. Trinity alumnus and U.S. Coast Guard Petty First Class Tyler Bennett ’03 will be part of the annual holiday effort.
According to NORAD’s website, this tradition began in 1955 when a child accidentally dialed the unlisted phone number of the Continental Air Defense Command Center (CONAD), NORAD’s predecessor, upon seeing a newspaper advertisement telling kids to call Santa. Director of Operations Harry Shoup answered the phone and instructed his staff to check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole.
Founded in 1958, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) is a bi-national U.S.-Canadian military organization responsible for aerospace and maritime warning and control, warning of impending missile and air attacks, safeguarding the air sovereignty of North America, and maintaining airborne forces for defense against attack. All branches of the U.S. military are represented at NORAD.
This year marks the 75th year NORAD will use satellite systems, high-powered radar and jet fighters to identify Santa’s location. More than 1,000 American, Canadian and Mexican uniformed personnel, civilians, program contributors and local participants volunteer to answer the hundreds of thousands of phone calls from around the world.
‘Learn one new thing today’
Tyler enrolled at Trinity after graduating from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. He remembers winning three Toy Bowls with Lourdes’ football team, with Trinity alumnus Matt Stein ’80 at the helm as head coach.
He remembers Trinity’s faculty approaching the student-teacher dynamic with professionalism and a sense of shared ownership over educational goals.
“My teachers were kind-hearted and considerate but also held you accountable for your actions and quality of work, something that has helped me to develop a deeper understanding of integrity and consistently upholding myself to a higher standard,” Tyler said.
Two of Tyler’s favorite teachers were John Kahl ’69 and Dr. Rob Mullen ’77. Mr. Kahl is retired from teaching, and Dr. Mullen recently stepped down as president and currently serves as vice president for mission.
“Mr. Kahl and Dr. Mullen made learning an exciting experience because their passion for the subject was so obvious and infectious,” Tyler said. “I observed how Dr. Mullen masterfully helped to translate a student’s vision into relatable goals and empowered us through mentorship and clear communication. To this day, before leaving the house for work, I always tell my four-year-old daughter to ‘learn one new thing today,’ which is a quote from Mr. Kahl that continues to echo throughout our household.”
Senior retreat is Tyler’s most meaningful memory from his Trinity days.
“Senior retreat was self-reflection, nonjudgmental sharing and unmatched comradery that I have yet to experience to this day, even after 15 years of service in the military,” he said. “Only those who have been and experienced that transformational week can attest and understand. Live the Fourth!”
From Trinity to NORAD
After graduating from Trinity in 2003, Tyler attended college for two years and worked to support his family. He decided college was not his path and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on December 7, 2010. Tyler’s grandfather served in the Navy, and Tyler wanted to follow in his footsteps. He also wanted to blaze his own trail, give back to his country, travel, have a sense of belonging, and a career. In October, Tyler re-enlisted in the Coast Guard for another five years. He will compete for advancement to the rank of chief petty officer in May 2026. He’s loved his time in the Coast Guard.
“The opportunities to live in diverse and beautiful locations are a notable benefit of military service,” Tyler said. “We’ve had the privilege of being stationed in Clearwater, Florida; Manama, Bahrain; Kapolei, Hawaii; and now Colorado Springs. Semper Paratus!”
Tyler was selected for his post at NORAD, which is part of U.S. Northern Command, in 2023. He said there was an intense and taxing screening process. Applicants are expected to meet high standards of character, obtain and maintain a top-secret security clearance, and be able to work in a demanding, multi-agency environment,” Tyler said.
When Tyler learned of his assignment to NORAD, he immediately volunteered for Santa-tracking duty. This year is the 70th anniversary of NORAD’s Christmas Eve tradition.
It’s a team effort involving more than 1,000 people. Tyler said the majority of volunteers are active-duty military members, Department of Defense employees, spouses and children that are at least 15 years old.
Tracking Santa is typically a two-hour shift.
“The entire evolution begins at 4 a.m. Mountain Standard Time on Christmas Eve and ends at 3 a.m. MST Christmas morning,” Tyler said. “There are several different positions available that a member can elect. During my first year, I was assigned to the social media accounts and was responsible for updating Santa’s exact location, wind speed and trajectory. It was also my responsibility to kick out and delete the trolls trying to play Scrooge and ruin the NORAD Tracks Santa experience for children across the world.”
The NORAD Santa operation sets up in a vacant hangar at Peterson Space Force Base. The building is decorated for Christmas and there’s music and food throughout the facility.
“It’s a unique and magical experience, and all members of the volunteer’s family are encouraged to attend,” Tyler said. “Military members are instructed to report in uniform to represent their branch of service, but family members attend in festive holiday attire as there are multiple photo ops throughout.”
A team of active-duty military personnel is devoted to the setup, operational performance and tear-down of the NORAD Santa-tracking experience. The team begins planning in October. The sign-up roster for Christmas Eve fills up quickly.
“It’s a thrilling collateral duty that members compete for every year,” Tyler said. “Only the quick-thinking act to avoid the feared midnight-and-beyond two-hour shift!
Tyler was quick to clarify that NORAD remains fully operational on Christmas Eve, as it does every day of the year. Tracking Santa does not distract from its core mission.
Tyler’s NORAD assignment will end next summer. He hopes to return to Hawaii.
Building block for character
Tyler also hopes to visit Trinity sometime soon. He credits his alma mater for being a building block for his character.
“Trinity helped me to develop discipline, perseverance and accountability,” he said. “It instilled in me the importance of living a Christian-based life. Trinity has truly shaped me into the person that I am today. I’ve always supported Trinity after graduation because of the strong emotional ties from my formative years and an intense appreciation for the foundational skills – academics, social, life, etc. – I learned along the way. Trinity has always fostered a sense of belonging and pride, and I am beyond blessed to have been and continue to be part of its legacy.”
Call NORAD
Tyler and his wife, Karen (Holy Cross, 2004), recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. They have two daughters, Avery Grace, 4 and Sophia, 8 months.
He encourages Trinity families to contact NORAD on Christmas Eve.
“Whether you’re young or old, have children or not, or still believe or don’t, I encourage everyone to pick up the phone on Christmas Eve and give us a call,” he said. “You can reach us at 1-877-HI-NORAD or follow us at noradsanta.org.”
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