November marks Military Family Month

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
November marks Military Family Month, a time to celebrate the exceptional service, strength and sacrifice of military families, whose commitment to the United States goes above and beyond the call of duty.

To commemorate the special month, the Airman and Family Readiness Center will offer special family-focused workshops and activities. In addition, the A&FRC, located in Building 1218, will have free "All About Me" posters for children at the front desk.

Hanscom personnel and their families are invited to participate in the following:

Preparing for Homecoming: Reunion Briefing for Spouses and Children, Nov. 7 from 4 to 5 p.m.
There will be simultaneous sessions for spouses and children ages 6 and older. For those anticipating a reunion with a servicemember within the next two months, two special briefings will help spouses and children prepare for the big event. In these interactive workshops, participants will receive practical suggestions for coping with reunion and reintegration, and the children's session will feature fun reunion activities and a personalized gift for the returning parent.

Step Parenting, Nov. 8 from 1 to 2 p.m.
This workshop offers a look at the challenges and rewards of blending two families into one. Hanscom's Military and Family Life Consultant will lead a discussion of the common issues, complaints, stages of adjustment, do's and don'ts and characteristics of a successful blended family.

Stress During the Holidays, Nov. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The holidays are ideally a time to celebrate and rejoice with family and friends, but some anticipate the season with dread rather than joy. Join Hanscom's Military and Family Life Consultant for a look at the causes of stress and some practical ideas on how to reduce holiday stress and find the joy in the season again.

Hearts Apart "Giving Thanks" Potluck, Nov. 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Families of deployed, remote tour and extended TDY servicemembers are invited to a special celebration of the season. Like the first Thanksgiving, attendees will all bring a dish to share with others. The A&FRC will provide the ham and turkey and give thanks for military families. RSVP to the Airman and Family Readiness Center by Nov. 1 by calling 781-225-2765 or emailing 66.fss.fsfr.cmb@hanscom.af.mil.

Heart Link New Spouse Orientation, Nov. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m.
New spouses, welcome to the military family. Heart Link is an orientation workshop for any spouse married to a servicemember from any branch of the armed services who wants to learn more about military life. The Heart Link program will provide essential information on to make life in the Air Force exciting, fulfilling and rewarding. Prizes will be awarded.

Coping with Holiday Grief, Nov. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This presentation discusses the impact grief has on the holidays and identifies healthy coping mechanisms. It will suggest ways to assist children in the grieving process and ideas on developing a plan for the holidays. The workshop will be presented by Hanscom's Military and Family Life Consultant.

One Small Change to Change Your Life Micro-Seminar, Nov. 20 from 11:30 to 11:45 a.m.
This seminar's theme is "A Thankful Family." Staff from A&FRC will show attendees a simple family activity that will bring more meaning to Thanksgiving and bring families closer together.

Family Welcome, Nov. 27 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
The welcome is designed for newly arrived spouses, especially those with small children unable to attend the regular Commander's Welcome, interested in learning all about Hanscom. Receive money saving tips and shopping information while learning about schools, recreation, local attractions, safety, security, education, employment and more.

Not Home for the Holidays Newcomers Public Transportation Orientation (classroom session), Nov. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn how to navigate the local public transportation system. Reduce the stress and cost of driving and parking in Boston by using public transportation. Topics include where to go and how to get there using the "T." Maps, schedules and travel tips are provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch.

Family Holiday Craft Workshop, Nov. 28 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Parents and children are invited to make special handcrafted holiday ornaments. The A&FRC will supply the materials; attendees can supply the creativity.

For further information about any A&FRC event, visit www.hanscomservices.com/AirmanAndFamilyReadinessCenter.asp or call 781-225-2765.