96th FSS prepares Eglin family celebrations

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 96th Force Support Squadron is gathering base resources to provide a week of activities Nov. 1-7, in order to celebrate base families. 

"I hope they see and feel a renewed energy behind the message 'Year of the Air Force Family' and that the focused activities during the week are only the beginning of evolving and expanding Eglin's support to the Air Force Family," said Lisa Splinter, Airman and Family Readiness community readiness consultant. "We want to recognize their sacrifices and dedicate this time to showing appreciation." 

Team Eglin's local version of Air Force Family week begins Nov.1 at the chapel with a night of games for family fun, after a day of worship services. 

A town hall meeting will be hosted at Eglin's Conference Center Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. The base is invited to attend as the goal is to address the needs of the entire base community; civilian, military, dependant, Reservists and retired. To facilitate questions, there will be a panel of personnel on hand to address any needs, provide information or to assist. Panel members include the 96th Air Base Wing vice commander, chaplain, Health and Wellness Center, mental health, Exceptional Family Member Program, recovery care, family advocacy, Tricare, federal Employee Assistance Program, housing, Child Development Center, Youth Center, Okaloosa County School District, Airman and Family Readiness, civilian personnel, education center and JobsPlus One Stop Career Center. 

On Nov. 3 at 1 p.m., an Exceptional Family Member Recognition will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. This program, designed for Team Eglin military families with a special needs family member, will provide information and any referral resources necessary. Eligible persons include any authorized family member (spouse, child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child or dependent parent) residing with the sponsor who possesses a physical, intellectual or emotional disability and requires special medical or educational services.

Some of Eglin's dining facilities will host special opportunities Nov. 4. The Enlisted and Officer Clubs will offer free lunch to new members. Family members with a loved one deployed will be recognized 4:30 p.m., during a Hearts Apart member dinner at the Breeze.

Multiple teams across Team Eglin will compete in several challenges during Wingman Day Nov. 5. The kickoff begins 8 a.m. at Foster Stadium with an opening ceremony. Events include a "field day," 5K team run, 2.5K team walk and awards ceremony.

After the morning's work-out, Eglin's Top 3 will host "Take an Airman to Lunch," 11:30 a.m. at Luke's Place. Senior NCOs can sign themselves and their guest up for this event through the Top 3 Association Community of Practice. Later in the day, single Airmen will have another opportunity to compete with young adults at a variety of games in Dorm 19 at 7p.m. Video games, billards and trivia are among the list of options.

Military children can participate in several events and creative projects during the workday, Nov. 6, at a variety of places on base where they gather; Child Development Center, Youth Center, School Age program and Eglin Elementary. Parents are welcome to join their children at Child Development Centers for "Healthy Eating," and families are invited to the Youth Center for a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. 

Team Eglin's Community Fall Festival will culminate the week of the Air Force Family with an event from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Unity Park Nov. 7. The free event, open to everyone with access to Eglin, will showcase base helping agencies at information booths and activities. In addition, there will be clowns, face painting, magic shows, bouncy castle, free food and numerous displays and demos. 

"I hope people gain a sense of belonging and community," said Ms. Splinter. "We look forward to a week of celebration as a part of a year-long journey to highlight existing programs here, as well as develop new opportunities." 

In addition to the week-long celebration service wide, Eglin will participate in November's National Military Appreciation Month and Year of the Air Force Family that runs until July 2010. One of the top priorities under these initiatives is developing and caring for Airmen and their families by broadening the scope of quality of life beyond traditional programs.