Altus Air Force Base News

 

Altus AFB shows appreciation for families of deployed Airmen

  • Published
  • By U.S. Air Force story by Airman 1st Class Megan E. Acs
  • 97th Air mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  A deployed family breakfast was held May 2 for the family members of deployed Airmen.

The event was held to show recognition for the sacrifices military spouses and children make while their loved ones are away, as well as inform the families of various resources and programs available to them should they need assistance during the time of separation.

The event was carnival themed and included games and activities for the spouses and children in attendance, such as mini golf, soda-bottle bowling, a bean-bag toss, ring toss, a cake walk, candy grabber, face painting, fishing for candy and bounce houses.

Families also received goody bags, which included information on services available to them should they need help.

"This event is to recognize and show appreciation for the spouses and children of the base's deployed service members," said U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Robert R. Davis, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department station chief. "Spouses sometimes feel forgotten while their loved ones are away. We're putting on this event to show them that we're here, we care, and we appreciate everything they do to keep the home front straightened out while their loved ones go and fight for our great nation."

When a loved one deploys, the spouse left behind faces the challenges of taking care everything at home. Taking care of the household, daily chores and caring for children becomes more difficult. Everything still has to be done, but instead of two people to tackle the tasks, there is only one.

One spouse of a deployed Airman said that the worst challenge she's had to face since her husband deployed a month ago is vehicle issues.

"My husband deals with that stuff, so I was thankful to have a great friend to help me out," she said.

This is her husband's third deployment and she decided to attend the event as a way for her and her two young sons to enjoy themselves.

"I think it's sweet the base doesn't forget about us while our Airman is gone. It's great to know I'm not alone and that someone will be there if I need help," she said. "I would like the people who put this on to know I'm grateful for the events and that people are willing to volunteer their time to make a great day for the kids."

"We want the families to know that this base is their family. They can come to us and seek our help if they need anything at all. We also hope the families learned a little about the resources available to them," said U.S. Air Force Col. Terri Jones, 97th Mission Support Group commander. "These events are important not only on the social level, but also on the practical level. They can learn about the services that are available to them, network, make friends and of course, have a good time. They don't have to do anything except show up and have fun."

The event also doubled as the grand opening of the new base splash pad, which will be open through the summer months 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. The families in attendance were the first ever to make use of the splash pad.

"The boys spent 45 minutes at the splash pad after the event and they're begging to go back," said a spouse at the event. "They have their days where they notice their father isn't here. Since they're so young they throw fits and cry for him. Events like this help so much. It keeps their minds and mine off him not being here for a little while."

Each family in attendance received the new deployed family passport, which includes information on offered programs and services as well as coupons they can use on base while their service member is deployed.

An example of the incentives included in the deployed family passport is a coupon valid for three free games of bowling and free shoe rentals.

Spouses have already taken advantage of some of the services available to them.

"I'm very proud that this base has such great commanders and Airmen who take the time to help show the families they're still cared for and not forgotten," the spouse said. "Altus does a good job of supporting the needs of the families, even more so when a spouse is deployed. Since I've been here, the base has put families first."