Families make sweet trip

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Charles V. Rivezzo
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  It's no secret that America's longest war has taken a toll on military families over the last decade, as they have endured countless deployments and time spent away from their loved ones on a regular basis. However, the Airman & Family Readiness Center here at Travis has gone to great lengths to ensure these families are not forgotten while their significant other is away.

As part of the A&FRC's monthly Hearts Apart program, more than 35 military family members were treated to a night out Nov. 15 by the Travis First Sergeants Council, with a specialized tour of the Jelly Belly Factory and a complimentary dinner provided by the United Services Organizations.

"We haven't done much since he's been gone and this event seemed like a fun opportunity for the kids to attend," said Rebekah Craig, whose husband Maj. Jeff Craig is currently deployed with the 22nd Airlift Squadron.

Accompanied by her twin sons, Caleb and Caden, Rebekah Craig expressed just how important events like these are to her family.

"It makes the kids feel a little bit more special," she said. "They are able to interact with a bunch of other kids who are going through the same thing having a parent deployed."

In an effort to encourage more community involvement, the A&FRC enlisted Travis private organizations to adopt or sponsor a monthly Hearts Apart event. This new partnership requests a life-long commitment of annual sponsorship from each private organization for Travis families.

"Our monthly Hearts Apart program is intended to provide family-oriented events that promote sense of community, quality of life and family resiliency," said Betty Hart, A&FRC community readiness consultant. "At some point in an Airman's career, they will be tasked with a family separation and it is an amazing feeling of accomplishment for our program when our community comes together to support these families."

Thus far, the A&FRC has 10 of 12 months sponsored by committed Travis private organizations.

"It seemed like a great opportunity to support the Hearts Apart program and try and do something a little different," said Master Sgt. Gary Dayton, 570th Contingency Response Group first sergeant and the FSC coordinator for Friday's event. "It's important to go above and beyond when it comes to our military families and that is what we hoped to accomplish with this event."

The Hearts Apart program is currently scheduled to host a Breakfast with Santa and Pancakes and Pajamas event 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 7 at the A&FRC where they are expecting a donation of children's books from two outside organizations for the event.

For more information about the Hearts Apart program or if your private organization would like to participate, call Hart at 424-2486.