Family Fun Night kick starts Year of the Air Force Family

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Malmstrom's Airman and Family Readiness Center and the youth center collaborated to host Family Fun Night Nov. 13.

"The focus of the event was to help families come together and spend some quality fun family time," said Tech Sgt. Joseph Hansen, 341st Force Support Squadron Readiness non-commissioned officer. "We really want to emphasize the importance of families spending as much time together as they can. Every opportunity is a good opportunity to get together, and who can beat something that's free."

Base families gathered at the youth center to enjoy hot dogs, nachos, cookies and punch, took part in the family-oriented games and challenges such as family jeopardy, bingo and connect four and some received stacks of free board games. There was also a bouncy castle, hay rides and art and crafts projects.

One of the projects included making ornaments honoring the service- members in their family or community for the "hero tree" presently on display at the base library.

Other base organizations contributed to the program and were available at Family Fun Night.

Malmstrom military family life consultants were present to talk to families and offer information and assistance to those in attendance. The MFLC program provides support to active-duty members and their family helping them when they have trouble coping or concerns with daily life.

Col. Anthony Cotton, 341st Missile Wing, vice commander, was also present at Family Fun Night, proclaiming the period of Nov. 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010 as a period of celebrating the military family on Malmstrom.

"The freedom and security that surround us today are a direct result of the sacrifices made from past and present family members," said Colonel Cotton. "The sacrifices of those family members left behind have not gone unnoticed, and tonight we formally honor and recognize the family members who have stood behind all those servicemen and women."

Family Fun Night was the kickoff for many other programs to be introduced in support of the Year of the Air Force Family.

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: all Airmen, married and single; spouses; children; Air Force civilians; extended families; and retirees.

"Military families are probably the most resilient people," said Cynthia Berg, youth center director. "Dealing with deployments, the stresses of day to day military operations and frequent moves definitely takes a toll on everyone involved. But military families definitely push through together. The year of the Air Force Family celebration at Malmstrom is going to be very memorable!"