Month of the Military Family

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE Mo. – Tech. Sgt. Sean Tucker, member of the 509th Maintenance Squadron, and his family enjoy pie, ice cream and entertainment during the pie and ice cream social held at the Community Center here Nov. 7. The social was part of the Team Whiteman Month of the Military family in November. The Month of the military family is in conjunction with the Air Forces Year of the Air Force Family program from July of 2009 to July of 2010. ( U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Jessica Mae Snow) (Released)

Month of the Military Family

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE Mo. – Erin, daughter of, 509th Bomb Wing Vice Commander Col. Rickey Rodgers, prepares her bowl of ice cream during the Pie Ice Social held at the Community Center here Nov. 7. The social was part of the Team Whiteman Month of the Military family in November. The Month of the military family is in conjunction with the Air Forces Year of the Air Force Family program from July of 2009 to July of 2010. ( U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Jessica Mae Snow) (Released)

Month of the Military Family

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE Mo. – Senior Master Sgt. Zachary Capogna, member of the 509th Maintenance Squadron, and son Riley enjoy the afternoon at the pie and ice cream social held at the Community Center here Saturday Nov. 7. The social was part of the Team Whiteman Month of the Military family in November. The Month of the military family is in conjunction with the Air Forces Year of the Air Force Family program from July of 2009 to July of 2010. ( U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Jessica Mae Snow) (Released)

Ice Cream Social

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo -- Team Whiteman member, Julie Yadlosky and daughter, Ella, pose as artist, Penelope Marth sketches a cartoon image in their likeness at the Whiteman Pie and Ice Cream Social, Nov. 7. The annual social, sponsored by the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, provides a way for Whiteman families to mingle and meet other military family members. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith) (Released)

Ice cream social

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Penelope Marth creates a cartoon image of Team Whiteman member Ella Yadlosky and her mom, Julie, at the Whiteman Pie and Ice Cream Social at the base community center Nov. 7. The Airman and Family Readiness Center sponsores the event once a year, to provide Team Whiteman members and their families chance to socialize. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith) (Released)

Month of the Military Family: Honoring their service, dedication

Published Nov. 10, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- November is a month of gratitude, honoring military families across the services. This year, in conjunction with the Month of the Military Family, July 2009 through 2010 has been dedicated as the year of the Air Force Family.

The Year of the Air Force Family, which is designed to highlight the programs and events already in place for Air Force families as well as new things to be unveiled throughout the year, is on course here at Whiteman.

A wide array of programs, ranging from play-groups for toddlers, to trips to Silver Dollar City in Bronson, Mo., are available to help families play, and stay together.

"I definitely appreciate everything (Whiteman) has going on," said Alissa Haines, a Chenega employee and spouse of an active duty member, as she played with her son at the Youth Center gym Tuesday morning.

Mrs. Haines said she and her son go to the Time to Play playgroup and also participate in the Parents as Teachers program.

"If we weren't involved in these things, we'd be stuck at home," she said.

Most recently, the Community Center hosted a pie and ice cream social, nov. 7th, complete with games, door prizes, and of course, a pie-eating contest.

"I think there were more people here this year, as compared to last year," said Laura Brunner, who runs the community center. "These things grow in popularity from year to year. It was really fun to watch everybody have a good time."

Providing a break from the high operations tempo and the stress brought on by the numerous inspections that go on every year, has a direct effect on military families.

"I think one of the key elements that we are able to provide to our families is the ability to put aside the mission when we have some extra time, and give parents an opportunity to connect with their children and have fun," said Gerald Torres, Chief of Youth Programs at the WhitemanYouth Center. "Parents don't realize the significant impact that it has on their children, when they are able to connect with them on a 'fun' level, instead of always being the 'boss' type parent.

According to Mr. Torres, the Air Force has recognized a link between successful families and successful missions.

"There couldn't be a better time to highlight these programs, considering the workload of today's Airmen," he said. "The success of the family directly relates to the mission as a whole, and the Air Force has all these family programs in place to alleviate the strain on the parents, and help the parents connect with their children."

Through these programs, the Air Force provides avenues that families need to travel down in order to remain healthy while enduring the stress of a military lifestyle, according to Mr. Torres.

"I think the key is to become involved. Give yourself a few chances to connect with whatever program interests you," Mr. Torres said. "If you're not finding what you need in one place, the Air Force offers a lot of different opportunities."

A calender of events is available at www.whitemanservices.com.