Spouses of deployed servicemembers enjoy community support

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rennie Thornton
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Spouses and family members of deployed Travis servicemembers recently helped celebrate the one-year milestone for an event partnered by the Airmen and Family Readiness Center and a local business man.
The event, Travis Wednesdays, began as a one-night a week getaway from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.for the spouses and family members of deployed Travis servicemembers in November 2009.

Renee Richardson, an outreach coordinator at the AFRC, along with other staff members, saluted the event's host, Hartmutt Ott, general manager of the Hampton Inn, and more than 70 family members during a bash Nov. 17 at the event site.

"Travis Wednesdays at the Hampton Inn on the Suisun City waterfront began one year ago as a way for spouses of deployed service members and their families to have a place to relax in a stress-free environment," said Mrs. Richardson.
Mr. Ott's idea to host such an event began with memories of his own childhood after listening to the base commander, Col. James Vechery, address local business owners at a chamber of commerce meeting in November 2009. There, Colonel Vechery talked about the Hearts Apart program and other initiatives Travis wanted to implement for the family members of deployed Airmen, he said.

"My father worked for a huge corporation and his job kept him on the road quite a bit. He was gone all the time when I was growing up," recalled Mr. Ott. Remembering how that made him feel as a child prompted him to host the event.

"I thought about how the spouses felt when they spent an anniversary without their mate and what the kids felt if one parent was away on their birthday. I just wanted to be able to do something for them," said Mr. Ott.

"I thought it would be great for them to have some place to go and unwind and relax. Someplace to just be together, play games, have someone cook a meal for them, perhaps just watch a movie. Maybe they might want to use the pool or the hot tub. I just wanted to provide a place where they could all enjoy, one night a week," said Mr. Ott. "Just a place to go to simply relax. "

After consulting his team at the hotel, the event was launched and has been thriving ever since.
Mr. Ott said he plans to continue the event as long as the families continue to enjoy it.
For the staff at AFRC, the event has provided a bond for many families.

"We have families who were there the very first Wednesday. Some of those families are now returning, one year later, as their spouses are about to deploy again. This shows the positive impact [Mr. Ott's program] has on our families and is key during times of separation," Mrs. Richardson said.

"Our families are better connected, more resilient and feel a sense of family at Travis Wednesdays. We provide down to earth support, whether it's just sitting with the
families, chatting, playing games with the children or sitting by the pool or Jacuzzi," she said.

"The Military and Family Life consultants, a team of behavioral health specialists, are also there to lend support and encouragement. It's really an outstanding partnership!"

"Hartmut gets to know the families and takes time to walk around and talk to each one. The hotel staff is so supportive, thoughtful, kind and professional. I don't know of any business or organization around that provides this kind of ongoing support for our military. New or old friends, everyone belongs! It takes all of us working together, Travis AFB and our
surrounding communities to ensure our families are thriving," she said.

For Mr. Ott, the most touching moment was when a facilitator from base told him about something that happened at a child care facility on base.

"She said children were asked to draw something that means a lot to them. She brought with her the picture. It was a picture of a building near water. The child explained that it represented the Hampton Inn and Travis Wednesday. For me, that was a rewarding moment," said Mr. Ott.

"Travis Wednesdays at the Hampton does just that. It builds trust, strengthens families and takes on the true spirit of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness," said Mrs. Richardson.