HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Force Support Squadron will honor families here as part of Military Family Month, a time to recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by the military family.
The Armed Services YMCA first established Military Family Month in 1996, with the U.S. government recognizing the occasion every year since, according to the organization’s website.
In his 2016 Military Family Month proclamation, President Barack Obama wrote that, " During Military Family Month, we salute the families of those who proudly are a part of our Nation's unbroken chain of patriots for their unwavering devotion, and we renew our sacred vow to uphold our promise to our troops, our veterans, and their families."
FSS officials have scheduled events throughout the month, and information is available on the squadron’s website at www.hanscomservices.com.
A Community Fall Festival will kick off this year’s events Nov. 5 beginning at 9 a.m.
“The Community Fall Festival will begin with a family fun run or walk at Castle Park beginning at 9 a.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.,” said Courtney Cann, 66 FSS program and project specialist. “A community service project for military families will follow at the Child Development Center and School Age Program.”
The festival will conclude with a pancake breakfast, donut eating contest, BINGO and other games from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Youth Center.
Another activity planned is a free family movie night at the Minuteman Commons Nov. 18 beginning at 7 p.m. Attendees may wear pajamas, bring a sleeping bag and pillow and watch the movie, "Finding Dory." Homemade hot cocoa and popcorn will be served. For more information, contact the Minuteman Commons at 781-225-6501.
Military families may also ‘bop and bowl’ Nov. 19 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Hanscom Lanes. The event is free and includes two 45-minute performances by the Toe Jam Band at 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Other activities and events planned throughout the month, include:
Families can bowl each Saturday in November from 3 to 5 p.m. for military families. The cost to participate is $10 per family.
This month at the Patriot Golf Course, military families will receive a free bucket of balls at the driving range on weekends. For further information, call 781-225-2396.
At the Auto Skills Center, service members will receive a free winter check up with the purchase of an oil change. Technicians will check vehicles using a multi-point maintenance inspection. To schedule an appointment, call 781-225-6587.
The Information Learning Center will host a Thanksgiving Craft Workshop Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. Registration is required. For further information, contact the ILC at 781-225-6618.
"The 66th Force Support Squadron is grateful for the sacrifices made by our military families here," said Cann. "As our way of saying thanks to them, we hope they take advantage of these family-friendly events and specials throughout November."