JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Members of the 459th Air Refueling Wing and their families came out to celebrate Family Day at Joint Base Andrews, Md., September 11, 2016.
“This year we have food setup for everyone, sumo wrestling, volley ball, dunk tank, children’s obstacle course and softball going on,” said Staff Sgt. Erin Flerlage, 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron technician and Family Day consultant. “[A local business] also donated a jump castle for the kids, photo booth, wheel you can spin to win great prizes, cotton candy, popcorn and lollipops.”
The event was provide an opportunity for members and their families to find support with the many challenges Reservists face managing work and home life.
“We also have mental health tent set up to offer resources to our members and their families,” said Flerlage.
Almost half a year in planning the event was the result of the hard work and coordination of the Rising 6 along with volunteers, leadership, various units and local businesses.
“About April-May was when the thoughts started to come together. We had a lot of deployers going out from within the wing and came up with the idea to do a welcome home as most of them came back in September,” said Flerlage. “The great thing about Rising 6 is you get to network with a lot of the other squadrons, the wing, and community members, first sergeants, chiefs group. It’s a great opportunity to get out and meet people and work with the people on an off base.”
With hundreds of Airman and their families turning out for Family Day, the event was a big success. The event is held annually so if it was missed this year, be sure to catch all of the fun and activities in 2017!