Hanscom celebrates Year of the Air Force Family

  • Published
  • By J.C. Corcoran
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Earlier this year Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley designated July 2009 to July 2010 as the "Year of the Air Force Family," a year-long focus on Air Force programs highlighting the importance of, and commitment to, the entire Air Force family.

"Our goal for this year is to promote the spirit of the Air Force family while at the same time saying thanks for the many sacrifices they make on a daily basis," said Russell Jackson, Hanscom's YoAFF project officer.

Clear in the guidance set forth by Air Force officials is the emphasis on the definition of family, which includes active duty, guard and reserve airmen, single airmen, civilians, spouses, children, extended family members, retirees and community partners.

"Our Air Force Family at Hanscom includes young and experienced alike who impact the ESC mission in a positive way and make Hanscom a wonderful place to work and raise our families. Our sister service housing residents are also an integral family in the Hanscom community and they are a welcome addition to the Hanscom experience," said Col. David Orr, 66th Air Base Wing commander.

"Whether it's our uniformed members proudly serving their country, their family and friends supporting them while they are deployed, or our community partners showing support for our ESC military and civilian Airmen, it comes down to people taking care of people with a resulting mission and personal fulfillment," Colonel Orr said.

In November, Hanscom will participate in National Military Family Appreciation Month, setting aside the week of Nov. 1 to 7 to celebrate Air Force Family Week with activities, programs and a variety of events.

Events taking place at Hanscom in celebration of Air Force Family Week include:

Building Strong Families: Nov. 1 at the Base Chapel during worship services. The Hanscom YOAFF proclamation will be read, sermons will focus on building strong families, following services informational booths will be set up to highlight various chapel family programs.

Free Open Bowling: Nov. 1, at the Bowling Center from noon to 3 p.m.

Heartlink New Spouse Orientation: Nov. 2, at the Airman and Family Readiness Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Family Fitness Night: Nov. 2, at the Fitness Center from 5 to 7 p.m. Programs will be instructed by Youth and Fitness Center staff.

Family Workshops: Nov. 3, at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, featuring a variety of family based workshops throughout the day.

Steak Night: Nov. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Minuteman Club. Evening will include family games, activities, giveaways and a guest appearance from Lowell Devils mascot.

Preparing for Homecoming: Nov. 4, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Workshop is designed to help spouses and children prepare for a reunion with their deployed family member.

PJ Story Time: Nov. 4, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Base Library. Children can wear their pajamas, listen to a story, make a small craft and enjoy ice cream sundaes.

Family Get Fit Program: Nov. 5, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Health and Wellness Center.

Family Movie Night: Nov. 5 at the Base Theater from 7 to 9 p.m.

United Through Reading: USO's United Through Reading Program will take place Nov. 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Power Struggles Workshop: Nov. 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Free Family Pool Party: Nov. 7 at the Base Pool from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For an updated listing of Hanscom Air Force Family activities go to the spotlights section on the Hanscom public Web site at www.hanscom.af.mil and click on the Year of the Air Force Family icon.

"With the outstanding support of base leaders and the dedication being put forth by our facility managers and staff to ensure top notch programs, I have no doubt that Hanscom will be a leader in this year's efforts to show that the Air Force and in particular Hanscom, is indeed a great place to work, live and play," Mr. Jackson said.

Upcoming YOAFF events include:

Aero Club Open House - Hanscom's Aero Club, Building 1722, will host an Open House on Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes:
- Static aircraft display
- Photos opportunities for attendees inside a plane
- Fly a simulator
- Introductory flights - two people per flight for $60, register in advance by Oct. 15
- Burlington Model Aircraft Club
- Free balsa planes
- Videos
- Learn the steps to become a licensed pilot
- Free food - hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, water and chips

Star Gazing - Oct. 17, from 8 to 10 p.m. at Hanscom's Memorial Park. Participants will have an opportunity to view planets, galaxies, nebulas and star clusters through telescopes. The event is free and hosted by Mike Kertyzak, NASA Sky Network and Boston ATM. To participate, sign up in advance with Youth Programs at (781) 377-3739. In the event of rain or cloudy weather the event will be moved to Oct. 24.

Flick 'n' Float - Oct. 23, at the Base Pool with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the movie 'Race to Witch Mountain' (rated PG) showing at 6 p.m.

Halloween Costume Party for Adults - Oct. 30 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Minuteman Club featuring music, games and prizes. The event is free for club members, $5 for nonmembers.