New program gives Airmen a home for the holiday

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tristan Truesdell
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
Holiday season is around the corner and with it comes difficulties for Airmen who are far from home. Malmstrom Air Force Base found a solution, inspired by a program at the Air Force Academy.

“Many of our Airmen are away from home and living in the dorms for the first time – especially over the holidays,” said 1st Lt. Joshua Farris, 10th Missile Squadron missile combat crew commander. “Col. Reeves wanted to find a way for Malmstrom Airmen to connect with the local community.”

The new-to-Malmstrom program, ‘Adopt-an-Airman’, is designed to match Airmen with volunteers from the local community while also providing a home away from home.

“The local community can provide a powerful experience to young Airmen that are often away from their homes,” said Farris. “It allows us to foster a long-lasting relationship between the Airmen and our friends in the local community, which is important.”

There will be a holiday social Nov. 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. at the Grizzly Bend to introduce Airmen to members of the local community.

“Over the long-term, we hope to connect Airmen with the community members who host them as soon as they arrive on base for the first time,” said Farris.

For the moment, the program focuses on the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday as an opportunity for Airmen to share a holiday meal with hosts in the local community.

“The Malmstrom Adopt-an-Airman program is a great opportunity for our Airmen to have a more meaningful experience and find a home away from home,” said Col. Jennifer Reeves, 341st Missile Wing Commander. “Our friends out in Great Falls get to share the goodness of their town while genuinely and personally helping young people while they’re engaged in their military service.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved as it continues to build a strong relationship between the members of Team Malmstrom, the citizens of Great Falls and the surrounding areas,” she continued.

Signups for members who need base access have already ended, however, Airmen and civilians with base access are encouraged to sign up with the Airman and Family Readiness Center via phone (406) 731-4900 or email 341fss.fsfr@us.af.mil.